The autumn and winter months are generally easier on your varicose veins than the heat of the summer. As the weather cools, veins are less likely to dilate, and you may even notice a reduction in swelling. This can provide a bit of relief, however, this won’t last forever, and as soon as the weather begins to warm up, you might notice that your veins start feeling worse in the heat.
Our guide below explains why this time of year is ideal for getting treatment at our private hospital, where we've carried out over 10,000 varicose vein procedures (PHIN, 2024).
I have a question about varicose vein treatment
Mr Aaron Sweeney, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, answers the most commonly-asked questions about varicose veins (13 videos).
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are dilated veins that are draining blood from your skin.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by the failure of valves that allow blood to travel up against gravity from your feet all the way back up to your heart.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
They can be many and also none. Some people have very large varicose veins with no symptoms whatsoever. Others can have very small veins that cause a lot of itching, soreness, pain, discomfort, and cramping. The commonest first symptom or sign is swelling in the ankle.
When should I worry about varicose veins?
I think you should worry about varicose veins if your skin becomes inflamed, sore or itchy or if you bleed at all.
How can I prevent varicose veins?
Simple answer is you cannot prevent varicose veins. We don't actually know the reason why people get them in the first place. We do know that little valves fail, but we don't know why that happens.
Are varicose veins painful?
About 20% of the population have varicose veins. But normally, in my practice, I see people who have painful varicose veins. That pain can be something very minor like a small ache or it can be almost excruciating if you get any complications, such as thrombophlebitis.
How can I ease varicose vein pain?
Some people use compression stockings or even flight socks and that compression can help reduce the discomfort of varicose veins. Other people use simple analgesia such as Ibuprofen or paracetamol, which can help. Both these solutions are really only short term, though.
Are varicose veins hereditary?
For the most part, they're not. Some very young people in their early teens can get varicose veins - and that is usually genetic - but most people who get varicose veins in their twenties or thirties don't need treatment until they're in their forties or fifties. Most varicose veins are spontaneous, and no one actually knows the real cause of them. We do know the valves fail, but we're not sure if that's genetic or if it's just because we're standing all the time.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
It is unusual to have a dangerous complication associated with varicose veins. They sometimes can clot, that's a condition called thrombophlebitis. And that can be very painful. Occasionally they can bleed and that can be quite serious and quite dramatic as well. However, for the most part, varicose veins are not dangerous but they are very inconvenient.
Can varicose veins go away?
Varicose veins don't go away on their own. However, if you suffer a complication where your veins clot, this is a condition called thrombophlebitis. Sometimes they shrivel up as they heal. That is a very painful way of treating your varicose veins. And I wouldn't recommend it.
How do I get rid of varicose veins?
There are many different ways of treating varicose veins. You may well be aware of the older treatment where patients had a general anaesthetic and had cuts in their legs and veins removed by a treatment called stripping. That really is old fashioned and has been superseded by treatments where we thread small wires or lasers up the inside of the vein and deliver heat. That heat causes the vein to shrivel up and it does away with the need for pulling veins out.
How long do I need off work after varicose vein surgery?
Many people take a few days off. I would say that after varicose vein surgery, it feels like you have run a few kilometres or played your first football match of the year. I think it feels a little like a pulled muscle. And whilst you're able to work from home the following day, I think commuting can be a little bit difficult. So, I would normally recommend that people have a light week, the first week following surgery, the second week is usually much better. And normally by the third week people are back in the gym and back to normal activity.
How should I sleep after varicose vein surgery?
You can really sleep whatever way you wish. Most people go back to their normal bed and sleep in their normal position.
1. Varicose veins can feel worse in the winter
While cooler temperatures have a soothing effect on varicose veins, our lifestyle choices during the winter period can exacerbate the condition. Periods of inactivity as we stay indoors cosying up on the couch can adversely affect circulation and contribute to discomfort in the veins.
We’re also more likely to crank the central heating and enjoy luxurious soaks in the bath or shower during this time of year. Like hot weather, these habits can increase the swelling of veins.
Moreover, as the festive season approaches, the increased consumption of alcohol and the indulgence in high-fat, high-sugar treats can result in weight gain, posing a potential threat to vein health
2. No more uncomfortable varicose vein symptoms next summer!
If you have varicose veins, you’ll know straight away by their swollen, bulging, blue or dark purple appearance. But you’ll also know due to the symptoms that accompany them such as:
- Leg muscle cramping
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Uncomfortable, heavy and aching legs
After having minimally invasive Endovenous Laser Treatment, you may still notice some red patches, darkened skin or bruises on your legs for a few weeks while you recover.
Take advantage of the fact that you’re more likely to wear clothes that cover your legs during the winter months, so the healing process can take place beneath long trousers or skirts - making it the ideal time to arrange treatment for your veins.
3. There’s no time like the present
Most patients our Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Mr Sweeney sees have had varicose veins for up to a decade before seeking Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). It can be tempting to put off treatment, but the sooner you have varicose veins treated, the sooner you can reduce the pain in your legs and return to your day-to-day activities.
4. You can better tolerate bandages or compression stockings
If you do go ahead with varicose veins removal, your Consultant will apply a non-stick bandage or may recommend you wear compression stockings for a few days after the procedure. At this time of year, your legs are less likely to overheat than in the summer and the bandage/stockings will be hidden by longer clothing.
5. Sun exposure can cause skin discoloration
We may miss the warmth during the winter period, but it does make it easier for those undergoing varicose vein treatment to limit sun exposure - which can cause skin discolouration. As you’re wrapped up to protect against the cold, what sunlight there is in winter has very little chance of negatively impacting your skin.
At Benenden Hospital, we offer minimally invasive, walk-in, walk-out Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) for varicose veins.
Treatment typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes, so you’ll be able to:
- Go home within an hour
- Return to work whenever you choose
- Drive after a few days
- Get back to gym in two weeks
We also offer Sclerotherapy for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.
Book your initial consultation today or for more information on our varicose vein treatments, complete our online enquiry form, contact us using Livechat or call our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.
Published on 06 September 2024