Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common problem, affecting 15% of men and 25% of women overall. The cause of varicose veins is usually hereditary, due to incompetence of the valves at the junctions of the deep and superficial veins. Rarely, they can result from leg compression trauma in motorcycle or horse riding accidents.

They are dilated and prominent superficial veins of the lower limbs, and show as an obvious bulge under the skin. They can be unsightly.

Although usually hereditary, the cause of varicose veins may sometimes arise from incompetence of the valves at the junctions of the deep and superficial veins. The symptoms are aching pain on prolonged standing.

They are treated by surgical removal (“stripping”) or injection.

Disabling Effects

Varicose veins cause pain and swelling on prolonged standing, because of defective valves, but the condition responds very well to elastic support stockings and surgery, and there should be no disabling effects after successful use of support stockings and after successful surgery.

Amended April 2008