Varicose veins refer to superficial veins that have become abnormally dilated and twisted. They may appear as blue or dark purple in colour. Although this condition is commonly hereditary, it can also arise without a family history of the condition.

While any vein can become varicosed, the veins most commonly affected are those located in the lower body – particularly the leg veins. This is often due to standing or sitting for extended periods of time wherein the blood is not able to flow properly.

Varicose veins are often the result of one-way valve failure in the major superficial leg veins (saphenous veins). This failure causes vein reflux which prevents the blood from flowing effectively. The pooling of blood in the lower extremities, along with the additional pressure on healthy valves in the veins, leads to the formation of varicose veins.

In many individuals varicose veins only present themselves as spider veins – a mild variation of varicose veins – and is mostly only a cosmetic concern. However, in more severe cases, varicose veins can cause leg pain, discomfort, and may ultimately lead to more serious health issues.

Varicose veins are a common condition affecting 3 in 10 people typically between the ages of 30 and 70 but, with specialised vein removal treatment by a trained sclerotherapist, varicose veins and spider veins can be easily treated.

Ultimately, varicose veins are the result of weak or damaged valves in the veins.

Veins are responsible for transporting blood from the body back to the heart to be recirculated. However, to return to the heart, the veins in the lower extremities need to work against gravity. The valves in the veins prevent the blood from flowing backward from the heart.

But if the valves in the veins have become weakened or damaged, the blood will flow backward and pool in the vein. The pooling of the blood, along with the additional pressure on the healthy valves, is what causes varicose veins.

However, varicose veins can also form as a result of past injuries to the legs. Blood clots, pregnancy, and being overweight are also common factors resulting in the formation of varicose veins and spider veins.

As with any condition there are potential complications that can arise from untreated varicose veins. In the presence of varicose veins or spider veins, the body circulates ‘old’ blood as the blood from the lower body does not travel back to the heart.

By not travelling back to the heart, the pH, carbon dioxide, oxygen, calcium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine and mineral levels in the blood is not converted into a muscle friendly form by the kidneys, liver and lungs.

This imbalance is the primary cause of the leg pain and discomfort in the varicose veins but also increases the risk of further damaging the vein valves, blood clots and ulcers.