Varicose veins are large dilated blood vessels that have a bluish colour and protrude above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are commonly associated with symptoms such as aching, throbbing, tired legs, varicose leg ulcers, cramp, heavy legs, burning, itching, varicose eczema, leg swelling and restless legs.
Healthy leg veins have valves inside that allow blood to flow against gravity up the leg and back towards the heart. Varicose veins have faulty valves causing blood to move in the wrong direction back down towards the feet. The resultant pooling of blood in the vein causes the typical symptoms of heaviness and aching.
Treatment closes the faulty varicose vein, diverting flow through the healthy deep veins meaning better drainage of the leg and resolution of symptoms.