FAQ’s

Q: What are varicose and spider veins?

A: Varicose veins are enlarged “rope-like” veins — blood vessels — that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be flesh-coloured, dark purple, or blue, and often look like a cluster of grapes. They are commonly found on the back of the calves or the inside of the legs. However, they can form anywhere on the legs, from groin to ankle.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. They are often red or blue, and look like tree branches or spider webs. They can occur anywhere on the legs, and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin. They don’t bulge like varicose veins, but are often more noticeable.

Q: What causes varicose veins?

A: Varicose veins result from abnormal inner walls or abnormal valves in these blood vessels. Blood is carried through arteries from the heart to the rest of the body, and returned to the heart through the body’s veins, called the venous system. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps, preventing blood from backing up and pooling. When these one-way valves don’t work properly, blood then may flow backwards, causing the veins to dilate (enlarge) and become ‘varicose’. The technical terms for this condition are venous reflux or venous insufficiency.

Q: How common are varicose veins and spider veins?

A: More than 12 million people in the UK suffer from disease of the veins. About 50-55% of women and 40-45% of men suffer from some form of vein problem. Varicose veins affect 1 out of every 2 people older than the age of 50.

Q: What are the factors that are likely to cause varicose veins and spider veins?

A: Common risk factors for varicose and spider veins include:

• Increasing age
• Familial History / Hereditary
• Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
• Obesity / High BMI Over a sustained period of time
• Lifestyle / Occupation which involves periods of prolonged standing
• Prior DVT issues.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of varicose veins?

A: In many cases, varicose and spider veins have no symptoms, however, these veins are often unattractive and may overtime become painful. Periods of prolonged sitting or standing are likely to make legs with varicose veins feel worse. Some common symptoms include:

• Aching pain
• Itching
• Burning
• Leg swelling
• Easily tired legs
• Numbness in the legs
• Leg heaviness
• Darkening of the skin
• Rash on the legs
• Skin ulcers

Q: When should you seek treatment?

A: Simple changes to lifestyle or working practices can help ease the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent them from worsening. But if they continue to look unattractive, causing concern about your appearance or become painful on an ongoing basis you should seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified Vascular Surgeon or Nurse Specialist.

Q: How are varicose and spider veins treated?

A: Several options are available for the treatment of venous reflux (backflow) and varicose veins. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. After your consultation and ultrasound evaluation, our consultants will recommend the best plan of treatment for your medical or cosmetic needs. The specific treatments available are shown on the What We Do pages for Varicose Veins and Thread Veins.

For any other queries you may have you can email us on enquiries@theveinsurgery.co.uk or call us on 0141 328 2818 and we will try to get you the information you need to make an informed decision.