Background information about venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins are one of the most common conditions, almost 75% of people will be affected by them to some degree during the course of their lives, with 25% needing medical attention.
- Varicose veins mainly affect women, but men can also be affected. In the UK it is estimated that 40% of women will experience symptoms caused by venous insufficiency (obvious varicose veins, fatigue, pain, oedema), compared to just 20% of men.
- A varicose vein is defined as a dilatation and an elongation of a superficial vein, which then becomes tortuous (twisted).
- Varicose veins can be asymptomatic and cause nothing more than aesthetic problems, or they can be accompanied by functional symptoms.
- These latter symptoms manifest themselves mainly as a sensation of heaviness, swelling and cramps or restless legs (feeling of ‘irritation’ and discomfort in the legs).
Except restless legs syndrom, symptoms occur mainly when you are standing up and they can be aggravated by heat.
- Telangiectasias (small purple-blue or red blood vessels, just below the skin) are not strictly speaking varicose veins, but they may be accompanied varicose veins that you may or may not be able to see.
- Duplex scan examination (completely pain-free) is the key element for assessment before all decisions regarding any treatment.