Varicose veins are common

Varicose veins are a very common condition. Women tend to be more affected than men, with approximately 30% of women developing varicose veins in their lifetime, compared to 15% of men.

Any vein in your body can become varicose (swollen and enlarged), but they most commonly develop in the legs and feet. The calves are most commonly affected. This is because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body.

Varicose veins are not usually serious

For most people varicose veins do not present serious health problems. They may appear unsightly, but they should not affect your circulation or cause any long-term health problems. Varicose veins rarely cause complications. Most will not require any treatment.

For some people varicose veins can cause aching, swollen and painful legs. In rare cases, they can also cause complications, such as skin discolouration and leg ulcers. If your varicose veins are causing you significant discomfort, or you have developed complications, you are more likely to require treatment.
Illustration of varicose veins

• Varicose valve showing blood flowing both ways
• Healthy valve showing blood flowing one way
• Varicose veins on skin surface

Types of varicose veins

• Trunk varicose veins are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobbly. They are usually visible, often quite long and can be unsightly.
• Reticular varicose veins are red and sometimes grouped close together in a network.
• Telangiectasia varicose veins, also known as ‘thread’ or ‘spider’ veins, are small clusters of blue or red veins that sometimes appear on your face or legs. They are harmless and, unlike trunk varicose veins, they do not bulge underneath the surface of the skin.