Varicose veins form in the superficial veins when they become enlarged and twisted. They then bulge under the skin and they most commonly occur in the legs. They develop when the one-way valves inside the vein stop working properly. Instead of blood flowing steadily upward against gravity, it falls back down towards the ankle and pools there. Over time, the increased pressure causes the vein wall to stretch and bulge outward.

The great saphenous vein, which runs up the inner leg from ankle to groin, is the most commonly affected vessel in the body. When its valves fail, the backward pressure travels down into the smaller veins of the calf and foot, causing visible twisted bulging veins or varicosities. This also happens to the small saphenous vein and perforator veins as well.

Varicose veins affect about one in three adults in Australia as we age. They are more common in women, people who stand for long hours at work, those with a family history, and people who have had multiple pregnancies. Being overweight or older also increases the risk.

Common symptoms include aching, heaviness, throbbing, itching, and leg swelling, especially toward the end of the day. Skin changes such as discolouration, hardening, or eczema near the ankle can develop in more advanced cases and should be reviewed promptly by a specialist.

At the Advanced Vein Clinics at Woolloomooloo, in Sydney’s East, we have specialist Sonographers and Vein Surgeons who are skilled in investigating and treating varicose veins with non-surgical and surgical treatments. We can custom a treatment plan to your vein’s needs.