Varicose veins are frequently occurring condition with up to 40% of women and 20% of men likely to suffer from symptoms such as fatigue, pain and swell­ing of the lower limbs. Soft tissue breakdown leading to ulceration can result if left untreated. Long standing varicose veins can also lead to skin hyper pigmentation & eczema.

If you have unattractive, enlarged blue or purple veins on the thigh or calf, this indicates the symptoms of venous disease. These are known as varicose veins.

Varicose  veins means dilated, elongated & tortuous veins which is a part of venous insufficiency. The key function of the leg veins is to transport deoxygenated blood from the leg back to the heart.

In healthy veins, valves located within the veins prevent the venous blood from returning back down the leg. When these valves no longer function correctly the vein is termed 'incompetent' and venous blood collects in the veins, causing them to enlarge.

The result is visible "varicose veins" that are the cause of the pain, swelling & discomfort in legs.

This is an indicator of malfunctioning of the venous system and should be investigated by a vascular specialist to help prevent potentially more  serious  problem  arising  later.

The most useful investigation is color doppler ultrasound which provides detailed information about valvular function, blood flow direction in the veins and any abnormal communicating veins.