Living with varicose veins? You’re not alone. Around 30%* of Brits have them, with 35,000 procedures to remove them carried out by the NHS each year. Yet they’re not just a cosmetic condition – varicose veins can cause extreme pain, and potentially harm your health. ‘If not treated correctly, they get worse, and can lead to skin damage, blood clots, DVT and leg ulceration,’ says consultant venous surgeon Professor Mark Whiteley. Here’s when to get yours checked…
Spotting an issue
Varicose veins are usually bulging veins that protrude from your skin. ‘Typical varicose veins are either slightly green or colourless, and appear as large bumps when you stand and sit, but disappear when you lie down,’ says Professor Whiteley. ‘Shockingly, up to half of all varicose veins sufferers show no overt signs of the condition, as the problematic veins remain hidden under the skin.’ Look out for:
Heavy legs that feel tired and achy
Swollen ankles or feet
Lower leg muscle cramps
A change in texture or colour of the skin below the knee
Assess your risk
This story is from the March 02, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
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This story is from the March 02, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
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