Varicose leg veins is the unsightly swollen, worm-like appearance, commonly found in people (mostly woman) after their 20’s, usually affecting the lower limbs and behind the knees.

Varicose leg veins are formed when the one-way valves become faulty, causing blood to flow in the reverse direction and pooling in the lower extremities due to the force of gravity. Your may experience aching, and a heavy sensation in the lower limbs, especially in warm weather conditions or after standing for a long time and in the long-term may cause skin inflammation and ulcers.

Varicose leg veins can be hereditary and commonly appear during pregnancy (or after several pregnancies) when the increased blood volume during pregnancy may damage the valves.  

Once varicose leg veins have appeared, medical treatment is the only way to get rid of them. The key to relieving the symptoms of varicose leg veins and avoid new ones developing is early action. Elastic support hosiery worn while standing or sitting for longer periods improves the appearance and makes your lower limbs feel better. Exercising through cycling, walking, swimming (exercise while you sit with a pumping action of the front foot) is effective in avoiding new problems and improving varicose leg veins.

Proven natural remedies for varicose leg veins include Horse–chestnut seed extract and Vitamin C, which strengthen the blood vessel walls and prevent bulging. Avoid constipation and pushing too much with bowel movements by eating a diet high in fibre content. An effective and soothing treatment of varicose leg veins is a cold compress of witch hazel and aromatic oils, while raising the lower limbs above chest height to boost the circulation of stagnant blood.

Once you have decided on surgery for problematic varicose leg veins (or purely for cosmetic reasons), be prepared to have a general anaesthetic to have them stripped. One side is done at a time, as a day procedure, followed by bandages and elastic hosiery for 6 weeks or longer. Varicose leg veins may reappear after years (approximately 30% after 5 years) and most patients are happy with the outcome. More advanced techniques are being developed and can be expected for future treatment of varicose leg veins.