What are varicose veins?
Leg veins have one-way valves that carry blood back up to the heart. When these valves weaken, blood pools in the leg and the veins stretch, twist and bulge. This is called venous insufficiency. Standing jobs, pregnancy, family history, weight gain and age all increase the risk.
Symptoms
- Visible, bulging or twisted veins
- Heaviness, aching or tiredness in the legs, worse by evening
- Ankle swelling, itching or night cramps
- Skin darkening, eczema or hardening near the ankle
- Non-healing wounds (venous ulcers)
How it is diagnosed
A venous Doppler ultrasound maps which veins have leaking valves. It is painless, takes about 20 minutes and decides which treatment suits you.
Treatment options
- Endovenous laser (EVLA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA): a thin fibre is passed into the vein through a needle and heat seals it shut.
- Medical glue (cyanoacrylate closure): seals the vein without heat, needing fewer anaesthetic injections.
- Sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy: injections that close smaller and spider veins.
- Compression stockings: ease symptoms but don't repair the valves.
Open surgery (stripping) is rarely needed now.
Recovery
Most people walk out the same day and go back to routine work within a few days. Stockings are usually advised for a short period, and a follow-up ultrasound confirms the vein has closed.
Frequently asked questions
Is varicose vein laser treatment painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia, so you feel only the initial needle pricks. Mild soreness along the treated vein for a few days is common.
Do varicose veins come back after treatment?
The treated vein stays closed in most patients. New varicose veins can develop over the years in other veins, which is why follow-up matters.
Can I avoid treatment and only wear stockings?
Stockings relieve symptoms but do not fix the valve. If you have skin changes or ulcers, treatment is usually recommended.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment depends on your examination and test results.