Varicose veins: diagnosis and management

Why have I developed varicose veins?

Will they get worse?

Will they cause other problems?

Can they be treated?

Would it help my varicose veins if I made some changes to my lifestyle, such as doing more exercise or losing weight?

What should I do if my varicose veins get worse or start to bleed?

What should I do if I get an ulcer on my leg?

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

Will I be referred to a specialist vascular service?

What is a duplex ultrasound scan?

What does the scan involve?

Where will it be carried out?

When can I have the scan?

When will I get the result?

Can you tell me why you have decided to offer me endothermal ablation/ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy/surgery?

What are the pros and cons of this treatment?

What will it involve?

Where will it be carried out?

When can I have the treatment?

How will it help me? What effect will it have on my symptoms and everyday life? What sort of improvements might I expect?

How long will it take to have an effect?

Are there any risks associated with this treatment?

What should I do if I get any side effects after my treatment? (For example, should I call my GP, or go to the emergency department at a hospital?)

Are there any long-term effects of having this treatment?

What are my options for having treatments other than the one you have offered me?

Is there some other information (like a leaflet, DVD or a website I can go to) about the treatment that I can have?

What will happen if I choose not to have the treatment you have offered?

If I choose not to have the treatment you have offered, will compression stockings help?