Blog & Articles
Long Haul Travel and Vein Health
If you suffer from varicose veins, you may be at an increased risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Be aware of this risk if you are planning to travel and know what you can do to minimise the risk of DVT and a blood clot.
One Patient’s Journey with Recurring Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can sometimes recur. Here we look into the personal experience of a patient who faced the recurrence of varicose veins, shedding light on the factors that contributed to this.
Why do varicose veins come back?
Varicose veins can be a persistent problem for patients. Despite undergoing treatment to address their varicose veins, some patients find that their veins recur or fail to improve. Why does this sometimes happen?
Can superficial veins become varicose?
When discussing the vascular system, a lot of jargon can be thrown around. Superficial veins is a medical term that may confuse many patients and doctors alike. What does superficial mean and how do superficial veins become varicose?
Varicose Veins Behind the Knee
Varicose veins often show up behind the knee and the outer thigh. This is probably the most common presentation to a Phlebologists clinic, and it affects women and men of all ages.
What Does a Phlebologist Do?
A phlebologist is a medically qualified doctor with post-graduate training for expert diagnosis and treatment of many forms of venous disease. This covers varicose and spider veins, clotting disorders, vascular birthmarks, leg ulcers and related conditions.
How to get rid of spider veins
For many, spider veins are an ever-present frustration to short skirts and dresses, when baring legs means baring spider veins too. But they don’t have to keep bothering you, today we’re looking at how you can get rid of spider veins.
Why are venous leg ulcers so hard to heal?
Open sores that develop without obvious cause are known as skin ulcers. There are many potential causes, but they are often related to poor circulation e.g.: pressure from being bedbound, atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency (varicose veins), or diabetes. Let’s look in detail at ulcers caused by varicose veins, known as “venous ulcers.”
Restless legs at night: Could the cause be untreated varicose veins?
Common restless leg syndrome has no known cause but is thought to be a nervous system malfunction. However, did you know restless legs are also a symptom of varicose veins?
How to prevent varicose veins
Varicose veins and spider veins can be painful, lead to complications, and might even be a hit to your self-confidence. Prevention being better than a cure – how can you prevent varicose veins from developing on your legs and groin?
Varicose vein removal: Do I need these veins?
If varicose veins have been identified in your legs, do you still need these veins or can you have them removed? Aren’t they performing a function that the body needs?
Varicose Vein Myths: Let’s do some mythbusting
Myths and misinformation may keep people from seeking help when they could find treatment, relief for their symptoms, and avoid the unchecked development of chronic vein disease. Let’s bust some varicose vein myths!
Should I be concerned about reticular veins?
Reticular veins are the visible veins below your skin that appear blue-purple in colour, but they don’t bulge out as varicose veins do. But are they dangerous?
Ultrasound: A crucial diagnostic test for varicose and spider veins
An ultrasound scan allows your phlebologist to not only identify the veins that may be causing you direct pain and symptoms – it also allows them to trace the origin of the problem veins.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Varicose Veins
Let us illuminate some of the jargon around the COVID-19 vaccines and varicose vein treatment.
IPL laser for spider veins and varicose veins
Are IPL laser treatments a good choice for spider and varicose veins?
Are your legs travel-ready?
Dubbed the ‘economy-class syndrome,’ staying motionless on long-haul flights or roadtrips is a key factor in the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Period pain or pelvic congestion syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a condition affecting 2-7% of women who have been pregnant but also occurs in women who have not been pregnant.
Take the Quiz: How much do you know about varicose veins?
If you or someone you love have suffered from varicose veins, you might be surprised at just how much you know. Take the test!
International Vascular Awareness Month
People think that vascular disease only refers to conditions that affect arteries, the truth is that vascular disease can also affect veins too.
Flying after varicose vein treatment
Patient question: “Dr Peter, I’m about to book flights but realised my varicose vein appointment is a few days before. How soon after I get my veins done can I fly?
Poor circulation in the legs: the cause of varicose veins?
Poor circulation is a symptom, not a disease. When we observe the signs of circulation problems such as muscle cramps, throbbing or stinging pain in the limbs, pins, and needles, or a sensation of numbness, we should pay attention.
Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
Varicose veins that appear during pregnancy can cause discomfort, throbbing pain, cramps, swelling, and can be a source of extra concern to expectant mums.
3 Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, leaving many confused about what it is and its causes. Let’s look at three causes of deep vein thrombosis in the general population and how to minimise the risks.
Compression stockings for varicose veins: Can they help?
For people with varicose veins in the legs, the painful symptoms are a daily challenge. Sometimes getting leg vein treatment immediately is not an option, perhaps because of location, pregnancy, or availability. In the meantime, could compression stockings help relieve the symptoms?
How to get the best treatment for varicose veins
An initial assessment of suspected varicose or spider veins involves a careful comprehensive examination. It should include the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and a duplex ultrasound to identify the source of any vein abnormalities.
Relieving varicose vein pain
Varicose veins and spider veins can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. The only thing that will resolve the problem is to have them appropriately treated by a phlebologist, but in the meantime, we’ve put together a list of some ways you can relieve the pain in your legs.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Varicose veins are often dismissed as a cosmetic problem. These ropey, blue blood vessels that protrude the surface of the skin cause some people to shy away from baring their legs in shorts or dresses. But are they dangerous?
Do herbal supplements work on varicose veins?
Some herbal supplements promise to reduce varicose vein symptoms, “support blood vessel health”, and “rapidly reduce venous congestion”, but are they effective?
Can varicose veins be cured by exercise?
Exercise is great for so many reasons. But can it also be credited with curing varicose veins? Let’s take a look at what varicose veins are and what causes them.