Modern Assessment & Minimally Invasive Treatment of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a common condition that can affect both comfort and quality of life. While some people are mainly concerned by the appearance of visible veins, others may experience symptoms such as heaviness, aching, swelling or skin irritation in the legs.
At Better Veins Clinic, Dr Nicholas Teo provides doctor-led assessment and minimally invasive treatment options for varicose veins and venous insufficiency on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged or abnormal veins that commonly develop in the legs. They occur when vein valves do not function effectively, allowing blood to pool under the effects of gravity.
Over time, this increased pressure within the veins may contribute to symptoms such as:
- Aching or discomfort
- Leg heaviness or fatigue
- Swelling around the ankles or legs
- Itching or irritation
- Night cramps or restlessness
- Visible bulging veins
- Skin changes in more advanced cases
Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Some patients may have relatively small visible veins but significant symptoms, while others may have more prominent veins with minimal discomfort.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
A number of factors may contribute to the development of varicose veins, including:
- Family history
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Increasing age
- Previous vein problems or clotting events
- Reduced mobility
- Increased pressure within the veins over time
Varicose veins are common and may gradually progress over many years.
More Than a Cosmetic Concern
Although varicose veins are sometimes thought of as purely cosmetic, they may also be associated with underlying venous insufficiency and chronic inflammation within the legs.
In some patients, longstanding venous disease may contribute to:
- Persistent swelling
- Skin irritation or eczema
- Skin thickening or discolouration
- Heaviness and fatigue
- Delayed healing
- Venous ulceration in advanced disease
Venous disease may also overlap with lymphatic conditions such as Lymphodema or Lipoedema in some patients.
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Assessment of Varicose Veins
Because symptoms and underlying vein problems can vary significantly between individuals, a thorough assessment is important.
Consultations may include:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Duplex ultrasound assessment of the veins
- Assessment of venous reflux and circulation
- Evaluation of swelling, skin changes and other contributing factors where appropriate
Ultrasound plays an important role in understanding the underlying vein anatomy and identifying which veins may be contributing to symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment recommendations depend on the individual patient, symptoms, ultrasound findings and overall clinical picture.
Management options may include:
Conservative Management
- Compression therapy
- Exercise and walking
- Leg elevation
- Lifestyle measures
Minimally Invasive Vein Procedures
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
A minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedure used to treat underlying refluxing veins using thermal energy delivered through a fine laser fibre.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
A minimally invasive injection treatment performed under ultrasound guidance to target abnormal veins.
Microsclerotherapy
A treatment commonly used for smaller superficial or spider veins.
Not all patients require procedures, and management is tailored to the individual patient’s symptoms, goals and clinical findings.
When Should You Seek Assessment?
Medical assessment may be appropriate if you experience:
- Persistent aching or heaviness
- Visible varicose veins
- Leg swelling
- Skin irritation or staining
- Night cramps
- Restless or uncomfortable legs
- Symptoms affecting daily activities
- Recurrent superficial vein inflammation or bleeding
Sudden swelling, chest pain or shortness of breath should be assessed urgently.
Doctor-Led Vein Assessment
At Better Veins Clinic, assessments are focused on understanding the underlying contributors to your symptoms through a comprehensive and holistic approach.
This includes not only evaluation of visible veins, but also consideration of venous circulation, swelling, skin changes and potential overlapping venous or lymphatic factors where appropriate.
Clinics are available on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba.