Varicose veins: diagnosis and management

Information about varicose veins

When you first see a healthcare professional about your varicose veins, they should explain what varicose veins are and what might cause them. They should discuss with you whether your varicose veins are likely to get worse in the future. They should also explain the likelihood of other problems developing in your leg because of your varicose veins, such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot), skin changes, ulcers, bleeding or swelling.

Your healthcare professional should discuss the different treatments for varicose veins with you. They should talk to you about changes you could make to your lifestyle that may help to relieve the symptoms of your varicose veins. These include losing weight if you are overweight and doing light to moderate exercise such as walking or swimming. See Other NICE guidance for details of our guidance on losing weight. Your healthcare professional should suggest that you try to avoid anything that makes the symptoms of your varicose veins worse, for example standing for a long time or having hot baths. They should give you information about when and where to seek further medical help.