Archives: FAQs

Varicose veins are engorged veins with malfunctioning valves. There are many factors that can contribute to varicose vein formation, such as inherited vein wall weakness, hormones (eg. progesterone), pregnancy, obesity, hormone therapy and standing occupations. Varicose veins are very common in women but also in men.

Varicose veins are typically signs of venous insufficiency: the veins cannot adequately return blood back up the leg. This results in pooling of blood in the lower legs particularly with standing. This can result in aching, swelling, leg tiredness, darkening of skin around the ankles, restless legs and even leg ulcers.

In most cases, yes. In the past, surgical options such as ligation or vein stripping were commonplace. Now, a number of minimally invasive, minimal discomfort options are available, such as thermal ablation, mechanochemical ablation and sclerotherapy.