Varicose veins

What causes
Varicose Veins?

Understand the various factors contributing to the development of varicose veins.

Introduction

To understand the origin of varicose veins, it's important to first understand the venous system, especially in the lower extremities. Veins are blood vessels responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. They are equipped with one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward due to gravity, especially in the legs.

Valve Dysfunction

The root cause of varicose veins lies in the malfunctioning of these valves. When they fail to close properly, blood begins to pool in the veins, leading to increased pressure. Over time, this pressure causes the veins to stretch, twist, and bulge – forming what we recognise as varicose veins.

7 Factors Contributing to Varicose Veins

  1. Genetic Predisposition

    Heredity plays a significant role. If your family members have varicose veins, your risk of developing them increases.
  2. Ageing

    As we age, our veins lose elasticity, and valve function can deteriorate, making older adults more prone to varicose veins.

  3. Gender and Hormonal Factors

    Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, possibly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, which relax vein walls.

  4. Pregnancy

    The increased volume of blood during pregnancy, along with hormonal changes, can put additional strain on veins.

  5. Prolonged Standing or Sitting

    Excess weight puts additional pressure on veins, exacerbating the risk of varicose veins.

  6. Obesity: Muscle cramping

    Muscle cramping, particularly at night, and a feeling of restlessness in the legs are symptoms that some people with varicose veins experience. This can be due to the poor blood circulation affecting muscle and nerve function in the legs.

  7. Lack of Physical Activity

    Regular exercise helps pump blood back to the heart and maintains healthy vein strength.

Prevention and Management

While genetic factors are beyond one’s control, lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting can help mitigate the risk of developing varicose veins. For those already experiencing symptoms, these lifestyle changes, along with medical interventions, can sometimes offer relief but cannot remove the cause to the problem.
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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to all your questions regarding what causes varicose veins.
Why do you get varicose veins?
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In the veins are small valves that regulate the flow of blood towards the heart. These flaps wear over time, and as this wear increases, the risk of the flaps not holding tight increases. What then happens is that the blood flows back and collects in pools under the vein valves. It is these pools that form varicose veins.
Who gets varicose veins?
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About thirty percent of all people suffer from varicose veins at some point in their lives. Varicose veins are hereditary, so if one of your parents has had varicose veins, you are genetically predisposed to developing varicose veins yourself.
What are the most common cause of varicose veins?
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Genetics are the most common cause of varicose veins, and varicose veins are almost 100 percent hereditary. In addition to heredity, varicose veins are also often caused by smoking, obesity, inactivity and pregnancy.
Can I do anything myself to prevent varicose veins?
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Varicose veins cannot be completely prevented, but you can reduce the risk of occurrence by taking certain precautions, such as maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, where the focus is on good blood circulation in the legs.
Are varicose veins hereditary?
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A very large percentage of people who have varicose veins get them because of heredity. You are genetically predisposed to varicose veins if your mother or father had varicose veins.
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Pricing

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Become varicose vein free: We offer full treatment at a fixed and transparent price regardless of the treatment method. With us, there are no hidden fees.
Treatment
Treatment options
One Leg
Both Legs
Complete Varicose Vein Treatment
One leg
£2495
Both Legs*
£3495
  • Unique treatment plan for each patient
  • Full treatment of all veins including main veins and superficial veins based on unique treatment plan
  • Performed by Vascular Surgeons
  • EVLA (Laser), Sclerotherapy (Foam), Phlebectomies, or a combination of one or more of them
  • Treatment guarantee of main veins up to one year
  • Free of charge checkup for peace of mind
Superficial Vein Removal
One leg
£850
Both Legs*
£1250
If you had varicose vein treatment in the past and had your main veins successfully closed, but still have superficial veins bothering you, this option is for you. In this case, we can remove the superficial veins with Sclerotherapy (Foam), Phlebectomies or a combination.
Spider Vein Treatment
Per session
£495 per session
For patients with small spider veins (thread veins) on the legs. We use Microsclerotherapy as a highly effective treatment method, performed by a Vascular Surgeon.  The price is per session and most patients need 2-3 sessions for the best results.
Consultation
£250
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Results from previous patients we have helped

Caroline
"The overall impression has been very good. I felt very safe throughout the entire treatment process".
Anne
“You get a very good treatment here and the consultation and treatment process made me feel very welcome”.
Eva
“Now I can work full-time gain and go for a walk, which I haven’t done since the summer. Now, a new life will begin“.
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What our patients say

Penelope
“I usually get nervous, but I wasn't nervous because the surgeon told me precisely what would happen step by step"
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Anne
“You get a very good treatment here and the consultation and treatment process made me feel very welcome.”
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Caroline
"The overall impression has been very good. I felt very safe throughout the entire treatment process."
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Eva
“Now I can work full-time gain and go for a walk, which I haven’t done since the summer. Now, a new life will begin.“
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Michelle
"I don't feel the problem anymore after the treatment, and I have been able to work without a problem."
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James
“The biggest surprise when I came into the clinic was how calm it was. The treatment was done in a friendly spirit.”
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