Varicose veins

Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen and enlarged and they usually appear on the legs and feet. They can vary in colour, appearing blue or dark purple, and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

Varicose veins are common, and studies suggest that they affect around 3 in 100 people at some point in their lives. In most cases varicose veins do not cause symptoms or complications, although some people find them unpleasant to look at.

Please see the video under ‘Useful Information’ below for an explanation of how varicose veins form.

Local commissioning policies are in place for this condition

Please be aware that there are local commissioning policies in place for this condition. This means that certain treatments may not be available to you on the NHS, depending on your symptoms and grading of the veins.

Please click here for more information.

Selfcare and more information

Managing my condition

There is little to suggest that you can prevent varicose veins, but there are ways to ease any symptoms of existing varicose veins. The pressure and stress that sitting or standing for too long puts on your veins can be harmful to anyone, especially someone who is already likely to suffer from vein diseases.

Try the following tips:

  • avoid standing or sitting still for long periods of time and try to move around every 30 minutes
  • take regular breaks throughout the day, raising the legs on pillows while resting to ease discomfort
  • exercise regularly – this can improve circulation and help maintain a healthy weight
Exercising

Low impact exercises can be helpful not just to your veins but for your general health and fitness without harming your joints.

  • Click here for a guide on low impact exercises from the NHS website – formerly known as NHS choices
Lifestyle advice

There are several self-help options that can help:

  • putting your feet up – sit or lie down and raise the feet above the level of your hips. For example, you can use extra pillows as a footrest. This will help with reducing the blood pooling in the veins
  • follow lifestyle advice on weight management
  • compression stockings might be helpful to alleviate any discomfort, including aching and ankle swelling
  • taking precautions for long haul air travel is sensible – wear compression stockings, avoid dehydration and exercise your legs regularly during the flight

When to consider seeing your GP

If you are concerned by your varicose veins, with or without additional symptoms, you should seek advice from your GP if:
  • your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort
  • the skin over your veins is sore and irritated
  • the aching in your legs is causing irritation at night and disturbing your sleep

Your GP may wish to refer you onto a specialist service, here is the local commissioning advice they will follow.

 

Useful information about my varicose veins

Here you can find some national information that you may find helpful to understand your varicose veins.

Videos about my varicose veins

Bupa Health – How varicose veins form

How varicose veins form
Bupa Health UK| Published 13 August 2013

Waiting for a specialist opinion

If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found using the links below.

How long will I wait?

If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended your information will be sent to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.