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Recognising the Symptoms of Varicose Veins: When to Seek Help

Painful, Restless Legs? It Could Be Varicose Veins

Do you suffer from heavy, aching legs or frequent leg cramps? Varicose veins are damaged veins that may appear as raised, lumpy veins on the skin’s surface. However, they can also be invisible deep veins that may cause significant discomfort.

Recognising the first signs of varicose veins is crucial for early treatment and effective management. Many people mistake their symptoms for general tiredness or restlessness in the legs, delaying early treatment.

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

  • Raised, bulging veins – Often appearing twisted and prominent on the legs.
  • Thread veins – Smaller, visible veins near the surface of the skin.
  • Swollen feet and ankles – Especially noticeable after prolonged standing or sitting.
  • Aching, heavy, or tired legs – A persistent feeling of discomfort and fatigue in the legs.
  • Muscle cramps and twitching – Often occurring at night or after long periods of inactivity.

“I noticed long periods of sitting were causing dull pain in my left leg.”

Understanding Poor Circulation and Varicose Veins

Poor circulation occurs when blood does not flow freely through the body. Varicose veins can disrupt normal blood circulation, causing veins to appear raised or swollen. Instead of blood flowing smoothly back to the heart, some of it pools in superficial veins, leading to symptoms such as aching, swelling, and night cramps.

Managing Symptoms at Home

Pain and discomfort from varicose veins can often be alleviated by simple lifestyle adjustments. Elevating your legs whenever possible can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. Using pillows or a footrest while resting, watching TV, or reading can provide relief.

Simple changes, such as taking regular breaks when sitting for long periods, can help improve blood flow and may temporarily ease varicose vein symptoms.

However, if symptoms become a daily occurrence or you experience swelling in the legs and ankles, a professional evaluation of your vascular health is recommended.

When to Seek Professional Advice

  • Changes in the skin around your legs, especially near the ankles.
  • An increase in broken veins or newly visible, raised veins.
  • Persistent swelling or discomfort that does not improve.

Expert Consultation with Michael Gaunt

For expert diagnosis and tailored treatment, book a consultation with leading vascular surgeon Mr Michael Gaunt. During your appointment, he will personally assess your condition, discuss your concerns, and conduct a Duplex ultrasound scan to examine your veins in detail. A bespoke treatment plan will be designed specifically for your needs.

Book a Consultation at a Clinic Near You

Don’t let varicose veins impact your quality of life. For professional advice and treatment, book a consultation with Michael Gaunt today.

Clinic Locations:

  • Harley Street, London
  • Cambridge
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Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy varicose vein treatment

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy testimonial for Mr Michael Gaunt

Cheryl’s story

Due to her injection sclerotherapy treatment with Mr Michael Gaunt, Cheryl has been able to resume her travels, discovering new shores and living life to the full.

During an initial consultation Cheryl discussed her Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy varicose vein treatment plan with Mr Michael Gaunt, who explained the treatment options and the techniques and costs involved, as well as discussing which of his clinic locations she would prefer to attend.

Consequently Cheryl decided to proceed with Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy, which takes place in the Outpatient Clinic, and she had her treatment over the course of several sessions.

Cheryl’s treatment for varicose veins and her subsequent adventures across the world offer hope for those experiencing symptoms

“On the coast of Walvis Bay I walked along the beach – I was looking forward to touching the waters of the Atlantic Ocean again. Across the Ocean from where I am pointing in the photo is the coast of Brazil and Sao Paolo.

I truly cannot thank Mr Gaunt enough for my Sclerotherapy treatment. Without this I would not be exploring the world as I am.” Cheryl

A walk-in, walk-out varicose vein treatment 

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy is performed in the Outpatient clinic as a walk-in, walk-out procedure. Mr Michael Gaunt offers this to treat suitable varicose veins as well as saphenous veins causing underlying problems.

“Gently injecting the sclerosant into varicose veins, I work across the patients’ legs using ultrasound to identify exact placement”  Mr Michael Gaunt

Each patient requires a bespoke treatment plan to ensure different sized varicose veins receive the correct strength of sclerosant. One leg is treated at a time with the second leg treated a couple of weeks later if needed. A review is performed 3 – 4 weeks after a course of treatment, when further treatment is scheduled only if required.

Varicose vein treatments and clinics near you

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy is just one of the treatments available at any of Mr Michael Gaunt’s varicose vein clinics in London, Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds.

If you are concerned about varicose veins, have skin changes and suffer with painful legs, contact Mr Michael Gaunt for advice and a thorough varicose vein consultation to include a venous Duplex ultrasound scan.

Private Consultation Appointments with Mr Michael Gaunt:

  • 9 Harley Street, London: 01223 305858
  • Circle St Edmunds Hospital: 01223 305858
  • Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital: 01223 266990
  • Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital: 01223 370922

Book a consultation with leading vascular surgeon Mr Michael Gaunt for expert medical advice and treatment options contact us>

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Flying with Varicose vein symptoms

Varicose veins can be problematic on long journeys. Micheal Gaunt offers his advice and support to help you manage varicose vein symptoms.

Recently featured in The Great British Life  you can read  Michael Gaunt’ professional advice to help make your holiday travelling more comfortable:  read more>

Keep moving

Travelling and inactivity needn’t go hand in hand. Making the most of every opportunity to move your legs, ankles and feet will help boost circulation and improve blood flow.

By stimulating your circulation you immediately minimise varicose vein symptoms and the risk of complications such as DVT, deep vein thrombosis.

Simple excercises you can manage whilst travelling include ankle rotations, lifting your heels off the floor, raising your legs and short walks. Repeat intermittently during travel.

Pre-flight assessment

You can book a consultation with Mr Michael Gaunt to assess your varicose veins and vascular health before you travel. He will listen to your concerns, personally talk you through any required treatments and offer his expert advice on managing symptoms.

Before travelling it’s wise to consider a vascular health assessment, especially if you suffer with painful legs and varicose veins.

 

 

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Varicose veins during and after pregnancy – what you need to know.

Photo by Pelayo Arbués on Unsplash

Why am I susceptible to varicose veins during pregnancy?

Many women first notice varicose veins during pregnancy, when significant weight fluctuations and hormone changes impact on the development and symptoms of varicose veins. Unfortunately, broken veins and spider veins may also develop, with some mothers-to-be experiencing uncomfortable swollen ankles and suffering from poor circulation.

With the increase of blood during pregnancy, progesterone levels rise, prompting the walls of your blood vessels to relax. Your body has to work harder to return blood back to your heart, significantly increasing the risks of developing varicose veins in your legs.

Will varicose veins affect my pregnancy?

The good news is that varicose veins do not affect your baby and most certainly do not put your unborn child at risk.  However, they can be troublesome, with on-going symptoms, often worse at night and increasing as the pregnancy reaches full term.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are caused by weaknesses in veins’ valves which prevent blood flowing properly between each of the vessels. If a one-way valve fails, the blood refluxes and gets stored in the veins near the surface of the skin. This makes the vein expand, causing it to twist and protrude, presenting as a lumpy raised vein, either deep blue or red in appearance.

Top symptoms of varicose veins

  • Aching or heavy feeling in your legs
  • Painful throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
  • Swollen ankles
  • Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
  • Restless legs, especially at night
  • Persistent leg itching
  • Skin discolouration around the ankles

How can I reduce varicose vein discomfort?

  •  Move around as much as possible and take frequent breaks if you have to stand or sit for long periods of time
  • Wear maternity support or compression tights

What varicose vein treatments are available?

 Successful treatment depends on careful pre-operative assessment. Reviewing visible swollen veins are just the tip of the iceberg. Mr Michael Gaunt assesses the underlying vascular condition before deciding upon the most suitable treatment for each patient.

“I perform a full diagnostic assessment with a Duplex ultrasound scan to identify the problematic veins and underlying problem before recommending the best procedure and treatment plan for you”

 As one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK, Michael Gaunt takes pride in delivering the highest quality of award-winning patient service and he specialises in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins using:

  • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
  • VNUS Closure
  • ClariVein
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Microsclerotherapy
  • VeinWave

Recommended after the birth, these procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic as walk in / walk out treatments, allowing you time to enjoy your new family with little impact on your busy lifestyle.

To learn more or to book an appointment with Mr Michael Gaunt call his specialist team on 01223 305858

 

Photo by Pelayo Arbués on Unsplash