Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see under your skin. They look like thick, bumpy lines - usually on your legs. They're very common and usually not dangerous, but they can sometimes cause discomfort.

Think of your veins like pipes carrying blood back to your heart. Inside these pipes are tiny one-way doors (called valves) that stop blood flowing backwards. When these doors don't work properly, blood builds up and makes the vein swell and twist.

What do they look like?

Varicose veins appear as:

• Thick, rope-like veins under your skin
• Blue, purple or dark-coloured lines
• Bumpy or bulging areas you can feel
• Usually on your legs, but they can appear elsewhere

They're different from spider veins - those are the thin, web-like red or purple lines that are usually harmless.

What symptoms might you notice?

Many people with varicose veins have no symptoms at all. But some people experience:

• Aching or heavy feeling in your legs
• Pain that gets worse after standing for long periods
• Swollen ankles or legs
• Itchy, dry or flaky skin around the veins
• Skin colour changes around the affected area

These symptoms often feel better when you rest with your legs raised up.

Who gets varicose veins?

Anyone can develop varicose veins, but you're more likely to get them if you:

• Are female
• Are older
• Are overweight
• Are pregnant
• Stand or sit for long periods
• Have family members with varicose veins
• Have had blood clots before

What can you do to help yourself?

If you have varicose veins, try these simple steps:

Do:

• Keep to a healthy weight
• Put your legs up when possible - lie down with cushions under your legs
• Exercise regularly - walking and swimming are great
• Use moisturiser if your skin feels dry or itchy
• Be careful not to knock or cut your legs

Don't:

• Stand for long periods without moving
• Sit for ages without putting your feet up
• Smoke - it damages your blood vessels

When should you speak to your GP?

See your GP if you have varicose veins and:

• Your legs are painful, itchy or swollen
• You have a sore on your leg that hasn't healed after 2 weeks
• The skin around your veins changes colour or becomes very dry

Get urgent help if:

• Your varicose veins are bleeding

Call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if this happens.

What treatments are available?

Your GP might refer you to a specialist if your varicose veins are causing problems. Treatments can include:

• Special procedures to close off the problem veins
• Surgery to remove varicose veins
• Compression stockings that squeeze your legs gently

The specialist will explain which treatment might work best for you.

Remember

Most varicose veins are not serious and many people live with them without any problems. They usually get worse very slowly over many years. If you're concerned about your veins, speak to your GP - they can check if you need any treatment.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.