Sponsored: What to do about varicose veins

Are you keeping your legs under wraps this summer because of varicose or unsightly veins? The Montefiore Hospital's vascular surgeon, Mr Karim El Sakka, says this doesn't have to be an annual bugbear.
Montefiore HospitalMontefiore Hospital
Montefiore Hospital

It’s not until the summer when we want to wear shorts and skirts that thoughts turn to those ugly-looking knots on the back of the legs.

Unfortunately, if you are about to jet off on holiday, now is not the time to have varicose veins treated as flying is not recommend up to six weeks after treatment.

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For most people, varicose veins are simply a nuisance that determines whether they bare their legs in the summer. But what are they and what can be done about them?

Karim El SakkaKarim El Sakka
Karim El Sakka

What are varicose veins? They appear gradually when there is a weakness in the wall of the vein and are visible below the knee, causing aching and swelling. 

Who gets them? They are more common in women than men. And although they can be hereditary, obesity increases the risk as do occupations requiring you to stand for long periods of time, such as teachers, waiters and surgeons. They can appear during pregnancy, and women are advised to wait until they have competed their family before seeking treatment for varicose veins.

What can be done? The majority of patients opt for endovenous ablation in which a probe is inserted into the vein to cauterize and close it.  Sclerotherapy is another option used to treat smaller varicose veins. Both procedures are minimally-invasive, can be carried out under local anaesthetic, and you’ll be on your feet straight away - so, no need to take time off work.

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Surgical intervention under general anaesthetic is performed if the veins don’t have the right anatomy for minimally-invasive procedures. Recovery is slightly longer and the legs will feel more bruised and tender.

Varicose veins are unlikely to be treated on the NHS for cosmetic reasons only. Vascular surgeon, Mr Karim El Sakka, has started free mini varicose vein consultations which includes an ultra sound scan and a plan of action for treatment.

When to seek medical help. If you have concerns about any leg symptoms, see your GP. If the veins bleed, apply pressure to the area and elevate the leg. Seek immediate medical help if the bleeding is severe.
Flying this summer? If you have varicose veins and are flying off on holiday, wear flight socks, drink plenty of water and move around the plane to exercise the legs.

Mr Karim El Sakka, vascular surgeon, holds a clinic on Wednesdays at The Montefiore Hospital, Montefiore Road, Hove and has limited availability for free mini consultations for varicose veins. 

For more information, visit www.themontefiorehospital.co.uk or for a non-obligation enquiry, telephone 01273 828 148.

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