Guide to Varicose Veins

Have you got varicose veins?

What are varicose veins? What causes varicose veins? Do you get varicose veins from standing for long periods of time? How do you get rid of varicose veins?

These are just some of the many questions people ask about varicose veins. But first of all do you have varicose veins?

The reason for asking this question that is that some people suffer from what are known as "thread veins" or "spider veins". These are a smaller type of varicose vein and are dealt with in a separate guide.

If you want to know more then visit our complete guide to thread veins.

A useful, informative guide for all

This guide is for anyone who has is worried about developing varicose veins or suspects that they may have this unsightly looking condition. If this applies to you then you will find that we approach this subject in a sympathetic manner: with the aim of providing you with enough information to make an informed decision about the various treatments available.

This is especially useful if you plan to visit your GP to discuss your condition. 

Medical jargon has been used in this guide but it is accompanied by an explanation (in brackets) or a link to the glossary section.  

Varicose veins: a common medical condition

This complete guide to varicose veins discusses a condition which is far more common than most people realise but is no less distressing for that. This is a medical condition which affects more women than men and causes a great deal of distress.

Comprehensive and understanding look at varicose veins

So how can this guide help you?

This guide discusses all aspects of varicose veins: the different types; what causes them; the telltale signs; how they are diagnosed and most importantly, how they are treated.

How do we do that? This guide is arranged in a coherent structure in order to inform and educate you further about varicose veins. This structure is as follows:

Visit any of these sections in turn to find out more about a particular aspect of varicose veins. The "treatment for varicose veins" section contains a series of subsections about the various forms of treatment available.

Introduction to varicose veins

We have included a section on your leg veins which is a basic overview of the structure and function of the vein system. This is useful background knowledge as well as helping you to understand what can go wrong with normal veins.

Plus it means that you will have a greater understanding of the medical terminology used by your GP when discussing your condition with him/her.

This is followed by an introductory section about varicose veins.

A step by step look at varicose veins

The guide then discusses the causes of varicose veins and the symptoms of varicose veins. Have a look at either of these if you think that you may have this condition.

The next step is that of visiting your GP. In many cases you do not need to do this as varicose veins are not a serious condition and unlikely to cause any long term problems.

But if they are causing you pain, irritation or seriously affecting your quality of life then seek medical advice. Your GP may use a variety of techniques for diagnosing varicose veins before prescribing a course of treatment.

Next, we come to the main part of the guide: the treatment for varicose veins section. This may be the part which interests you most so have a look through this at the types of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Most people with varicose veins do not experience any long term problems but there are a few people who are unlucky enough to develop complications later on in life. Learn more about these in our complications of varicose veins section.

There is a FAQs section which contains a set of the most popularly asked questions regarding varicose veins. If you are unable to find the answer you want in the main body of the guide then you may find it in the varicose veins FAQs section.

The guide concludes with a glossary of medical terms.

A brief look at deep vein thrombosis

A word about deep vein thrombosis (DVT): you are probably familiar with this condition as it has featured in the media over the last few years. Most notably in regard to the risks of developing this following a long haul flight.

We have included this condition as there is a link between DVT and varicose veins. It appears to be the case that having DVT leads to varicose veins so it is something to be aware of.

If you are concerned about DVT then visit our deep vein thrombosis section.  

Learn more about varicose veins….

Guide to Varicose Veins

COSMETIC SURGERY TREATMENTS

Medic8® Guides

© Medic8® | All Rights Reserved
We have updated our cookie policy to reflect new guidelines. I agree I want to learn more