Enlarged veins that can appear swollen which are typically found on the legs and feet are known as varicose veins.
September marks Vascular Disease Awareness month, with experts at Veincentre explaining why certain people are more prone to having swollen veins.
A vein specialist has revealed that those who spend hours on their feet all day are more likely to develop varicose veins. Dr Mark Bratby, consultant interventional radiologist and medical director at Veincentre often sees hairdressers, nurses and teachers about the issue.
The Vein Institute states that venous diseases include blood clots, spider veins, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and superficial thrombophlebitis.
Furthermore, a 2024 study found that individuals with varicose veins are up to five times more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening condition.
Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins which usually appear in the legs and feet and can be blue or purple in colour.
Dr Bratby said: “Varicose veins are an anatomical problem. Only humans have varicose veins because we stand upright. The problem isn’t a new one. They have always been around, in fact there’s records of varicose veins in Roman times.
“We tend to see a lot of hairdressers, nurses and teachers in the clinic because if you’ve got a problem with your valves and then you’re on your feet all day, you’re likely to get varicose veins.”
According to the NHS, varicose veins are usually caused by weak vein walls and valves. The reason why the walls of veins become stretched and lose their elasticity is not fully known but if valves don’t function as they should, blood can leak and flow backwards.
This results in blood collecting in your veins which becomes swollen and enlarged which is what causes varicose veins.
Prevention and treatment
Varicose veins are often deemed a cosmetic issue but they can also cause legs to become sore and cause aches.
The NHS states that women are more likely to be impacted by varicose veins than men are.
Dr Bratby also explained that genetics play a huge role, however there are certain things people can do to improve the health of their veins.
He said: “Keeping healthy, eating well, not eating too many ultra-processed foods looking after your weight and exercising as much as you can are all good for many reasons, including your arterial health.”
Other advice to avoid or manage varicose veins is moving around every 30 minutes to ensure the blood is flowing and raising your legs during regular breaks.
Varicose veins can be managed for many years without any treatment and will not lead to more severe conditions. However for some people, they can result in leg ulcers, conditions such as eczema and discolouration of the skin.
Treatment for these issue includes Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) which is a laser process that destroys the affected veins from the inside.
Dr Bratby explained: “Treatments have improved over the years and we are finding many people since the Covid pandemic are more keen to step outside of the NHS and fund treatment privately. It can really improve lives.
“If it’s got the point where varicose veins are bothering or worrying people we would always advise them to have a chat with us, even if it’s just to provide reassurance.”
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