What stage are your varicose veins in? Full CEAP breakdown

Varicose veins may seem like a cosmetic issue at first, but they often develop into more serious medical problems over time. From spider veins to leg ulcers, the condition can progress through clearly defined stages. Understanding these stages can help you spot the warning signs early and get the right treatment before complications arise.

CEAP classification of varicose veins

Healthcare professionals use the CEAP system to classify chronic venous disease, including varicose veins. The system looks at Clinical signs, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology. It provides a structured way to assess how advanced your condition is, guiding both diagnosis and treatment planning.

The 5 stages of varicose veins

Varicose veins typically develop gradually. Below is a breakdown of the most common clinical stages, their symptoms, and how they are usually managed.

How do I know what stage I'm in?

It can be difficult to determine your stage just by looking. If you're experiencing leg heaviness, visible veins, swelling, or skin discolouration, you may already be beyond the early stages. The most accurate way to assess this is through a duplex ultrasound scan. It allows us to understand how well your veins are functioning and plan the most effective treatment.

Who gets varicose veins – and why?

Varicose veins are more common in women, especially during and after pregnancy, but they affect men too. Risk factors include age, genetics, prolonged standing, and being overweight. You can learn more about the early signs and risk factors in our article on early stage varicose vein symptoms.

When should you seek help?

You should seek help if your veins cause symptoms like aching, throbbing, itching, swelling, or skin changes. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of complications like chronic venous insufficiency. We offer gentle, effective options for varicose veins treatment with minimal downtime. And before treatment, we always start with a full clinical assessment and scan.

Varicose veins in one leg?

It’s not unusual to have varicose veins in just one leg. This could be due to old injuries, asymmetrical vein valve issues, or even post-surgical changes. Our article on why varicose veins may appear in only one leg explains how we approach this type of presentation.

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