Varicose veins develop when the valves within a vein stop working effectively, causing blood to pool and the vein to enlarge. They most commonly appear in the legs and may look blue or purple, bulging or twisted beneath the skin. Some people have no symptoms beyond their appearance; others may experience aching, heaviness, swelling or skin changes around the ankles.
Not all varicose veins require treatment. In some cases, lifestyle measures and compression hosiery may be all that is recommended. Where treatment is discussed, options may include sclerotherapy for smaller veins or other interventions for larger varicose veins — depending on the clinical picture.
Dr Sue-Liza Eta will carry out a thorough assessment to determine the nature of your veins and whether any treatment may be appropriate. She will explain her findings clearly and discuss any options with you honestly.
Living with varicose veins often raises practical questions: whether they will get worse, whether long periods of standing matter, and whether compression stockings are worth wearing. These are all things that can be discussed during the consultation. Dr Eta takes the time to explain what is known about the condition and what, in her assessment, is relevant to your situation, without turning a simple question into an unnecessary procedure.