Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet. They may appear blue or dark purple, and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

Symptoms of varicose veins include aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs, swollen feet and ankles, burning or throbbing in your legs, muscle cramps in your legs – particularly at night, dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein. Symptoms are usually worse during warm weather or if you have been standing up for ln periods of time. They may improve when you walk around or if you rest and rise your legs.

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 collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged. Factors that can increase your chances of developing varicose veins among others are: being female, being older, obesity, having a job that involves standing for long periods, pregnancy, or family history of varicose veins.

Treatment of varicose veins may not always be necessary, but if so, your doctor may first recommend using compression socks for up to six months. Self-care such as losing weight, not wearing tight fitting clothes, taking regular exercise and elevating the legs when resting, can ease the pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. If your varicose veins are still causing pain or discomfort, they can be treated in several ways.

An endothermal ablation uses heat to seal the affected veins. Sclerotherapy uses a special foam to close the vein and ligation and stripping surgically removed the affected veins. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see if these procedures are covered.