There are large veins running up through the calf muscle inside the leg, smaller veins are connected to these and become affected if the valves are not working correctly. The blood drops back down overloading the smaller veins. They bulge and can be seen through the skin; these are varicose veins. They can be large and run the length of the large, they can ache if a person has been standing long periods. Varicose vein ‘stripping’ as a procedure does not often occur in Vascular departments any longer there are modern less invasive actions today including lasering or injecting. If these interventions are not suitable then compression garments will aid venous return and alleviate symptoms.  

• Varcose Veins - PDF

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that occurs in the vein, usually in the leg. This can be dangerous and if you suspect you may have a DVT then seek medical advice as soon as possible. Symptoms of DVT in the leg are: 

• throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh
• swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
• warm skin around the painful area
• red or darkened skin around the painful area 
• swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them. 

These symptoms also happen in your arm or tummy if that is where the blood clot is. 

A DVT is more likely to happen if you:

• are over 60. 
• are overweight. 
• smoke
• have had DVT before 
• take the contraceptive pill or HRT. 
• have cancer or heart failure. 
• varicose veins 

If a doctor thinks you have DVT, you should be referred to hospital within 24 hours for an ultrasound scan. The scan shows whether blood is flowing normally through the vein. 

After DVT is diagnosed, the main treatment is tablets of an anticoagulant medicine, such as warfarin and rivaroxaban. You will probably take the tablets for at least 3 months.

Prevention of DVT

• do not sit still for long periods of time – get up and move around every hour or so. 
• do not cross your legs while you are sitting, it can restrict blood flow. 
• do not smoke – get support to stop smoking 
• do not drink lots of alcohol. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis - PDF - Downlaod