What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are dilated tortuous superficial veins occurring usually in the lower limb. They are common and run in families and tend to affect women more than men.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are caused by the development of faulty valves in the veins of the leg.

These factors increase your risk of developing varicose veins:

• Age. The risk of varicose veins increases with age. Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in your veins that help regulate blood flow. 

• Sex. Women are more likely to develop the condition. Hormonal changes before your period or during pregnancy or menopause might be a factor because female hormones tend to relax vein walls.

• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases. This change supports the growing fetus, but also can produce an unfortunate side effect — enlarged veins in your legs. 

• Family history. If other family members had varicose veins, there is  a greater chance you will too.

• Obesity. Being overweight puts added pressure on your veins.

• Standing or sitting for long periods of time. Your blood does not  flow as well if you are  in the same position for long periods.

Treatment of Varicose Veins

Conventional treatment of varicose veins involved surgical removal of the defective veins under general anaesthetic. 

The underlying damaged veins causing varicose veins can be treated by new endovenous (pin-hole) methods. The main techniques used is endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) 

If a patient chooses therapy under local anaesthetic, the treatment is usually spread over two or more sessions spread a week or so apart.