There’s more to veins than vanity

Varicose veins can effect up to 20% of the UK’s adult population. They are unsightly and painful but, worse still, can also lead to serious health problems. Mr Michael Gaunt a Consultant Vascular Surgeon who specialises in the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and threadveins, looks the options available to sufferers.

“Varicose veins occur when small valves inside the veins stop working properly so that rather than blood flowing smoothly back towards the heart, the blood stagnates within the veins causing aching, tiredness and discomfort,” explains Mr Gaunt.

“The veins are usually blue or dark purple and may also be lumpy or twisted in appearance and while any vein in the body can be affected, they most commonly develop in the legs and feet . This is because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body.

“Initially, problem veins may not be visible but the symptoms still occur. Patches of blue threadveins may sometimes be the first signs of an underlying problem and eventually, the abnormal veins become swollen, enlarged and varicose.

“In the early stages varicose veins and threadveins may be mainly a cosmetic problem, however, if ignored, the condition can deteriorate and various complications can occur such as leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin around the ankles and ulcers.
“Sometimes veins can burst causing bleeding, or the blood within the veins can clot leading to the painful condition of phlebitis or even deep vein thrombosis. People who use air travel for work or holidays may be at increased risk particular if those flights are long haul.

“Fortunately, modern minimally-invasive treatments can now often be performed under local anaesthetic as a walk-in walk-out procedure, with minimal post-operative pain and almost immediate return to normal activity.

“I have treated over 4,000 patients with the Endovenous laser and Clarivein techniques – both are associated with considerably less pain, bruising and scarring than traditional stripping techniques and both offer very good longterm results.”

FREE 15-minute mini consultations
Mr. Gaunt offers FREE 15-minute mini consultations for patients to visit him and be initially assessed. He will then offer them a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment and steps forward. These no-obligation consultations are offered at the BMI Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, Spire Norwich Hospital and Cambridge Nuffield Hospital. For more information or to make a booking, contact his private secretary on 01223 305858 or visit www.michaelgaunt.com.