Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Ulceration
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are
dilated and twisted veins of the leg that can
range in severity from:
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Thread or spider veins (also known as telangectasia)
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Reticular veins
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Truncal varicose veins
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Spider Veins |
Reticular Veins |
Truncal Veins |
Varicose veins are extremely common, affecting up to 80% of the adult population. Many people with varicose veins have no symptoms and do not seek medical advice regarding their condition. However, varicose veins can lead to a wide range of medical problems including:
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Lower limb symptoms such as aching, pain, itching and a feeling of swelling
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Thrombophlebitis, which is painful inflammation of the veins and can predispose to Deep Vein Thrombosis
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Skin changes of chronic venous insufficiency including discolouration and thickening(lipodermatosclerosis), varicose eczema and swelling (oedema) especially around the ankle
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Ultimately, if left untreated varicose veins can lead to chronic venous ulceration
The key to a successful outcome from varicose vein treatment is a sound understanding of the pattern and severity of disease. As clinical examination alone can be unreliable, all patients should undergo a Venous Duplex Ultrasound Scan before any treatment is planned or undertaken.
Professor Bradbury offers four types of treatment for varicose veins:
Stop Press August 2009!
In August 2009 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued their definitive revised guidance on Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy. To download their guidance for patients' click here
NICE have also issued revised information for patients. Click here to download this document.
To download NICE guidelines on RFA please click here
To download Professor
Bradbury's information sheet on varicose veins and their treatment click
here. To view
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