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VARICOSE VEINS


Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that are usually blue or dark purple. They may also be lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and can collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be varicose (swollen and enlarged).

How common are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a very common condition, affecting up to three in 10 adults. Usually, women tend to be more affected than men.

Any vein in the body can become varicose, but they most commonly develop in the legs and feet, particularly in the calves. This is because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body.

Types of varicose veins

Some types of varicose veins are explained below.

  • Trunk varicose veins are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobbly. They are usually visible, often quite long and can look unpleasant.
  • Reticular varicose veins are red and are sometimes grouped close together in a network.
  • Telangiectasia varicose veins, also known as thread veins or spider veins, are small clusters of blue or red veins that sometimes appear on your face or legs. They are harmless and, unlike trunk varicose veins, do not bulge underneath the surface of the skin.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in color and they are usually twisted and bulging in appearance. Some people with varicose veins do not experience any pain or discomfort, while others are more severely affected.

As well as their distinctive appearance, symptoms of varicose veins can include:

  • aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
  • swollen feet and ankles
  • burning or throbbing in your legs
  • muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night
  • dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein

These symptoms will usually be worse during warm weather or when you have been standing up for long periods of time. Your symptoms may improve when you walk around or if you rest and raise your legs up, on some pillows (for example). Varicose veins usually develop on the legs, either on the back of your calf or on the inside of your leg. However, they can also sometimes occur in other parts of your body, such as your:

  • gullet (oesophagus)
  • womb (uterus)
  • vagina
  • pelvis
  • rectum (back passage)