Main Causes of Varicose Veins – As Seen in Mirror

Expert Advice on Varicose Veins

Varicose veins expert Dr Ross Perry, founder of The London Vein Centre, tells the Mirror why some veins are more pronounced than others in its feature “Varicose veins main causes”.

As the article explained:

“Some veins are more pronounced than others, with varicose veins being significantly dominant.”

The function of veins is to carry blood back to the heart. They’re not as strong or thick as arteries, but they contain valves which ensure that the blood only goes in one direction – to the heart.

Varicose veins are a very common condition which affect around 25% of all adults and even more in women. They are typically swollen, raised and discoloured veins on the lower legs with a noticeable purple/blue hue. They occur when the veins become dilated and enlarged.

The feature in the Mirror explores the main causes of varicose veins, saying:

“Turns out, sitting AND standing for too long increases your risk”

The inactivity allows blood to pool in the legs, which puts pressure on the valves within the veins. Patients see spider veins and thread veins appearing – smaller reddish veins – as well as the varicose veins with their characteristic twisted and bulging appearance.

Dr Ross Perry told the Mirror:

“It depends on the natural size and position of the vein.

“They typically expand more when they are lower than the heart so leg veins are the most common as that is where the most effect of gravity has on them.”

Main Causes of Varicose Veins

The Mirror feature listed the main causes of varicose veins:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Age over 50
• Menopause
• Extended periods of standing
• Obesity
• Prior injury
• Family history

Unfortunately the NHS is unable to treat the majority of cases, as it views many cases as ‘cosmetic’, yet symptoms can become quite severe if varicose veins are allowed to develop. More severe symptoms can be very uncomfortable as well as unsightly. Potential signs of severe varicose include:

• Severe and continuous pain
• Noticeable and ongoing swelling
• Heaviness and/or dull, achy feeling – especially at the end of the day, or after physical activity
• Varicose veins look red and feel warm and tender to the touch
• Varicose veins are prone to bleeding – either due to injury or spontaneous bleeding
• Dry, itchy, discoloured, and/or inflamed skin around the veins
• Ulcers/sores

Read article in full

For more information and comment, see the full article online at https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/varicose-veins-main-causes-sitting-27541749.

NHS Treatment for Severe Varicose Veins

Patients with severe varicose veins can visit the GP to see whether they may qualify for NHS treatment. The GP will assess the veins, looking especially for signs of ulceration, pain, bleeding or skin colour changes.

Dr Ross Perry is a GP as well as founder of the London Vein Treatment Centre. He says:

“In most cases, your GP will advise either compression stockings to help manage symptoms (usually for six months) or to go private.

“The criteria for referral to an NHS hospital is very strict, so you won’t be able to have them removed for purely cosmetic reasons on the NHS.”

Private Thread Vein Treatment

Where thread veins are the concern, the private sector offers treatments that have high success rates at eliminating unsightly vein problems.

The London Vein Treatment Centre offers a variety of options, depending on the nature of the condition being treated, which are medically proven with high success rates.

Laser Treatment

The sophisticated Harmony XL Pro Laser treatment is available at both London Vein Treatment Centres in Harley Street and Putney. As well as destroying the thread veins, the advanced laser energy also works to stimulate healing and cell renewal in the treated area for clearer-looking skin. It is a gentle and effective treatment for facial thread veins on the face.

Injectable Treatment

For larger thread veins (e.g. those on legs), microsclerotherapy injections are a popular option. This treatment is available in all of the London Vein Treatment centres.

Microcautery Treatment

The company also offer micro-cautery treatment, which uses a special probe to deliver a short burst of intense heat in a very precise way in order to destroy thread veins.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offers spider vein and facial thread vein removal treatment at two London Vein Treatment Centres using medically proven techniques.

• 4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS
• 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

All thread vein treatments are carried out by skilled and experienced doctors.

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for thread veins using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. They also offer advanced laser varicose vein treatment at the London Vein Treatment Centre at a choice of two highly equipped London Vein Treatment Centres.

• 4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS
• 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

The most popular option is EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.