Varicose Vein

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins: enlarged, twisted surface veins that appear when one way valves inside the leg veins fail and blood pools instead of returning to the heart.

Leg veins carry blood upward against gravity, helped by calf muscle contraction and a series of one way valves. When those valves leak, blood falls back and collects, stretching the vein until it bulges visibly under the skin.

Standing occupations, pregnancy, family history, obesity and increasing age all raise the risk. Notably, family history matters more than most patients expect.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

• Aching or heaviness in the legs, worse by evening
• Ankle swelling that settles overnight
• Night cramps and restless legs
• Itching over a prominent vein
• Brown staining of the skin around the ankle
• Skin that feels hard or tight above the ankle

Why Does This Matter for Diabetic Patients?

Because two problems compound. Venous disease damages skin at the ankle while diabetes removes the sensation that would warn you, so a breakdown is noticed late. Healing is then slower because both the circulation and the metabolic state are working against it.

Consequently, a diabetic patient with visible varicose veins deserves earlier treatment than the veins alone would justify.

How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

A venous Doppler scan shows which valves are leaking and how far the reflux extends. That map determines treatment, since a vein that looks dramatic on the surface may not be the one driving the problem.

Assessment runs through our vascular assessment service.

What Does Treatment Cost and When Is It Needed?

Compression stockings and leg elevation help symptoms and cost little. Where reflux is confirmed and symptoms persist, a day case procedure closes the failing vein, priced according to how many segments need treating and quoted after the scan. Treatment options are set out under varicose vein treatment.

Treat early if you already have skin staining, a healed ulcer, or diabetes with reduced sensation. Those are the feet that pay the highest price for waiting.