Take the First Step to Healthier Legs
Book your consultation or start your free online vein assessment today.
What Are Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin, often appearing as bulging, blue or dark purple cords. They commonly occur in the legs and ankles but can develop elsewhere on the body. They are a form of chronic disease – Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
Veins carry the blood back to the heart and the pumping action is provided primarily by the surrounding muscles contracting as you move which compresses the veins. The veins have one-way valves at intervals and normally only allow the blood to move towards the heart. Weakened or damaged valves in the veins, especially in the legs, allow the blood to flow in the reverse direction under the force of gravity, causing blood to pool and veins to swell.
The failure of the valves not only causes pooling of the blood, it can also lead to a critical reduction in blood supply to part of the lower limbs.
Causes of varicose veins include:
Faulty vein walls that don't effectively support the valves.
Prolonged standing or sitting, which increases pressure in the veins.
Age, as vein walls and valves can weaken over time.
Genetics, with a family history of increased risk.
Pregnancy, due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes.
Obesity, putting extra pressure on your veins.
Lack of physical activity, which can lead to poor circulation.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The symptoms of varicose veins can vary, but common ones include:
Visible enlarged, twisted veins often appearing bluish or dark purple.
Achy or heavy feeling in the legs.
Swelling in the lower legs and ankles.
Pain or throbbing in the affected area.
Itching or skin irritation near the veins.
Cramping or muscle fatigue in the legs.
Discolouration or skin changes over the affected veins
Restless legs or a feeling of tingling.
Open sores or ulcers can develop in more severe cases.
If you experience significant pain, swelling, skin changes, or ulcers, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The Stages of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Left untreated CVI can tend to worsen. To be able to better categorise the severity of the condition the CEAP classification was introduced in 1994 to better define the stages of the disease and guide treatment decisions.
A summary of the main stages is shown below. For professional use some of these categories are further divided but the overview shown below gives a very good idea of the general classifications:
IMPORTANT NOTE: You know that as with most conditions, early intervention is usually the least invasive and provides the best outcome. DO NOT delay seeking medical advice if you have any of the symptoms mentioned.
C0 – No visible signs but you may already be feeling symptoms such as aching or heaviness in the legs.
C1 – Thread Veins these fine veins also known as spider veins are clearly visible and sufferers often find them concerning.
C2 – Varicose veins start to appear as bulges beneath the skin. As they worsen, they can become more prominent and twisted, with other symptoms including itching, pain or a burning sensation.
C3 – Swelling of the surrounding tissue becomes more pronounced. Taking the weight off your feet by resting with your feet raised can provide temporary relief.
C4 – At this stage the skin starts to undergo changes due to the lack of blood supply. It can become discoloured with brown or white patches appearing. The skin can become harder, thicker and inflamed.
C5 – Healed ulcer It’s good that it has healed but unless the underlying cause is treated there is a good chance it will recur.
C6 – Active open ulcer that does not respond well to treatment, due to a lack of blood supply to the area.
The treatment of Varicose Veins – really no need to be concerned
The old method of stripping out the varicose veins sounds like a form of torture and patients were understandably concerned about the effects and discomfort. Fortunately, technology and medicine have evolved in leaps and bounds in recent years so that providing you act promptly the need for that type of intervention can be virtually eliminated.
The current approach ideally fits the clinic’s ethos of prevention and early intervention using minimally invasive procedures for maximum benefit with least patient discomfort.