Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis
Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis
Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis
Introduction
What are They?
Investigation of Varicose Veins
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Surgical Treatment
Thread Veins & Sclerotherapy
Painful Veins
New Treatments
Traveller's Thrombosis
Photoderm Treatment
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Painful Veins

Many patients suffer from pain due to their varicose veins. Surprisingly this often occurs with small veins just as much as from large varicose veins. In fact, the symptoms associated with thread veins can be worse than those which arise from large varicose veins. Big varicose veins often cause some aching on standing but this does not usually result in severe symptoms. Thread veins give rise to symptoms ranging from tingling or itching and slight discomfort to severe, incapacitating pain on standing. Some patients are distressed because many doctors do not believe that thread veins can cause severe pain. They find themselves passed from doctor to doctor without any explanation as to the cause of the pain ever being found!

The solution to these problems is to treat the veins. Surgery is effective for large varices but microsclerotherapy is required for thread veins. The symptoms and the veins fade away together! For patients who suffer the combination of large varicose veins and thread veins, surgical treatment or foam injections and microsclerotherapy have to be combined to eliminate the veins and the pain associated with them.

 

Help! All these treatments! Which is the one for me?

Mr Philip Coleridge Smith DM FRCS
Reader in Surgery, UCL Medical School, London .
Consultant Vascular Surgeon – BVI Medical Director
The West London Vein Clinic: 0870 609 2389

 
 
 
© 2006 - The West London Vein Clinic
  
Arteries bring blood from the heart to the extremities. Veins contain one way valves and channel blood back to the heart. When there is obstruction of veins, or when prolonged pressure is placed on the veins, the valves stretch and no longer close properly. This allows blood to travel back down the veins towards the feet. The veins in the legs that are near to the surface of the skin enlarge and result in what is commonly called varicose veins. These can range from minor dilatations to large bunch of grape-like structures in the calf. Very small purple or blue veins in the skin of the legs are called "thread veins" or "spider veins" or dermal flares and often occur alongside large varicose veins. Some people are only affected by dermal flares. Both types of varicose veins are probably caused by the same factors. Varicose veins is a slowly progressive disease which if left untreated can lead to marked skin change damage or ulceration near the ankle. Why do varicose veins arise? Varicose Veins, Thread Veins, Spider Veins, PhotoDerm, Sclerotherapy, Surgery, Thrombosis Heredity is important in the development of varicose veins, thread veins and spider veins. Up to 20% of the adult population have varicose veins and experience discomfort as a result. Many people know of other family members with the same problem. A recent study showed that where both parents had varicose veins there was an 80% chance of their children developing varices. Environmental factors also play a large part in the development of varicosities, for example, prolonged standing - especially for workers such as nurses, sales assistants, flight attendants, waitresses and teachers, for example. Diet may also be a factor, and our Western diet with high content of fat and refined sugar with low fiber content may contribute to the development of varicose veins, spider veins and thread veins. Varicose veins may also become more frequent with advancing age, but may appear at any time of life and small varices are sometimes seen in school children. Although all factors such as puberty, pregnancy and the menopause also influence the course of the disease. As many as 70 - 80% of pregnant women develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes an increase in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn causes veins to enlarge. Later in pregnancy, the enlarge uterus causes increased pressure on the veins in the pelvis. Approximately 60 - 70% of varicose veins due to pregnancy will disappear within a few months of delivery. Little research has been done to investigate the role of the pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the development of varicose veins. These probably have no influence on them. What are the symptoms Treatment of varicose veins and thread veins by injections sclerotherapy PhotoDerm and surgery Varicose veins may cause feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching and cramps in the legs. These symptoms are often accompanied by swelling of the ankle, which frequently appears after long hours of standing. Some people are very troubled by the aching that varicose veins produce. Even small dermal flares can result in severe aching which prevents standing for any length of time. What can I do to prevent them? Treatment of varicose veins and thread veins by injections sclerotherapy PhotoDerm and surgery Many of the things that seem to cause varicose veins are difficult to avoid such as a family history of Western way of life. Where possible standing still for long periods should be avoided. Walking is much better for the veins and helps the blood return to the heart from the legs. In occupations that require extended periods of standing then a few steps should be taken at regular short intervals to help circulation. Wearing support stockings may also reduce the likelihood of varicose veins. No creams or drugs are available to prevent varicose veins. The earlier varicose veins and dermal flares are treated the better the long term and cosmetic outcome.