Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are dilated and twisted veins of the leg that can range in severity from:

• Thread or spider veins (also known as telangectasia)

• through Reticular veins

• to Truncal varicose veins

Varicose veins are extremely common, affecting up to 80% of the adult population. Many people with varicose veins have no symptoms and do not seek medical advice regarding their condition. However, varicose veins can lead to a wide range of medical problems including:

• Lower limb symptoms such as aching, pain, itching and a feeling of swelling

• Thrombophlebitis, which is painful inflammation of the veins and can predispose to Deep Vein Thrombosis

• Skin changes of chronic venous insufficiency including discolouration and thickening of the skin (lipodermatosclerosis), varicose eczema and swelling (oedema) especially around the ankle

• Ultimately, if left untreated varicose veins can lead to chronic venous ulceration

The key to a successful outcome from varicose vein treatment is a sound understanding of the pattern and severity of disease. As clinical examination alone can be unreliable, all patients should undergo  a Venous Duplex Ultrasound Scan before any treatment is planned or undertaken.

Midland Vein Centres offer three types of treatment for varicose veins:

• Surgery

• Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

• Vein Lite™ Trans-illuminated Microsclerotherapy.

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The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have now issued their definitive guidance on Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy. To download their guidance for patients' click here

To download our information sheet on varicose veins and their treatment click here. To view these files you will need Adobe Reader - click here to download now.