The Truth About Varicose Veins

They affect one in three but are often not treated on the NHS. Here’s what you need to know

- Tanya Pearey

The causes

Healthy veins take blood from our feet and legs – where it has taken vital oxygen and nutrients – to the heart. But because it’s working against gravity, the blood will try to flow the wrong way.

This is prevented by one-way valves that open and close to let blood through. ‘Varicose veins occur when the small valves in our leg veins fail,’ says Professor Mark Whiteley, a consultant venous surgeon. ‘This allows blood to fall back to the ankles and feet, and collect in veins.’ Veins can become varicose if their wall is stretched and the valve is weakened. They become more common with age, and women are at risk because their hormones relax walls, making valves more prone to leaking. The biggest influence is genetics, says Professor Whiteley. ‘The more relatives you have with it, the more likely you are to have them.’

IT’S A MYTH

Crossing your legs won’t cause varicose veins. But anything that puts pressure on your legs or abdomen might, such as pregnancy, obesity or regularly standing for long periods.

Getting treated

Left untreated, they can lead to further health problems, such as aching legs, swollen ankles, blood clots, skin damage and venous leg ulcers – painful sores around the ankle.