Varicose Veins are dilated tortuous incompetent superficial veins, usually in the lower limbs. They are common, especially in women after childbirth. For many people they cause no symptoms. However, varicose veins can cause the following symptoms: ache, heaviness, heat, itch. They can also cause phlebitis- inflammation in a clotted vein which is very painful. Sometimes if the veins are very fragile they may bleed spontaneously. In a minority of patients, extensive varicose veins can lead to leg ulcers, particularly around the inner ankle.
There are several options to treat varicose veins and these can be discussed during consultation.
