Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and around the body. Veins carry blood back to the heart. Varicose veins are swollen veins on the surface of the leg that no longer function efficiently. They usually start on the calf, but can be found right up to the groin. They are usually more obvious when you stand up.
Sometimes blood flow pressure can damage or strain the valves in the veins which should only let the blood flow one way – towards the heart. This means blood can collect in pools in the veins.
Varicose veins are made worse by standing for long periods, by being constipated or overweight and by pregnancy. Women tend to suffer from varicose veins more than men!
You will usually see varicose veins before you get any other problems from them.
They appear as wiggly raised lines above the surface of the skin on the legs. You may find that they start to ache as the day goes on. You may also notice that your feet and ankles swell towards the end of the day, especially in hot weather. If varicose veins are left untreated they can become inflamed or even ulcerated.
Spider veins, also known as thread veins, are small, twisted blood vessels that appear in a spiderweb pattern through your skin often on your legs or face. They are similar to varicose veins but smaller and caused in the same way when a one-way valve in your vein, that help your blood flow back to your heart, stops working properly and your vein swells as blood flows the wrong way.
Professor Campbell brings with him forty years of experience treating patients with varicose veins. He has written many papers, a book and led major research regarding varicose veins.
Jane Benson holds the post of Theatre Manager at Exeter Medical after seventeen years spent in the theatre at the Royal Devon & Exeter hospital; latterly as a Matron in the Plastic and Reconstruction theatre.
Fiona Irvine is a highly qualified Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Exeter Medical.