Varicose veins are a common disease. The only way to get rid of varicose veins is with varicose vein surgery. Varicose veins operations are performed by vascular surgeons who have specialized in their treatment. Great progress has been made in the treatment of varicose veins in the last 25 years with the introduction of endovascular surgery. The frequency of varicose veins in the western world is estimated to be around 30%, and the gender distribution is even, although it is probably more common in women.

Já, allir með æðahnúta geta farið í aðgerð óháð því hvort reynt hafi verið að leysa æðahnúta vandamálið með aðgerðum áður eða ei.

With ultrasound, it is detected which main vein is broken and if there is a possibility to do a laser operation to solve the problem. If only varicose veins are present and there is no leakage into the trunk vein of the shallow venous system, it is sufficient to remove the varicose veins with a hook without the need for laser treatment.

Varicose veins are almost never dangerous.

However, varicose veins usually cause problems if left untreated for a long time. About 5% of people with varicose veins develop skin changes that can eventually cause ulcers. These wounds often take a long time to heal and are prone to recurrence.

The venous system of the lower leg is divided into three parts, the superficial, the deep and connecting vessels between these systems.

Research in recent years has shown that superficial disease (varicose veins) can cause ulceration, and not only deep disease, as was common believe before. The classification system of venous diseases (CEAP classification) is used, where many of the most important aspects of the disease are recorded. C stands for “clinical class” where the symptoms of the disease are described, E for “etiological class” which is the causal diagnosis of the disease, A for “anatomical class” or the biological location of the disease and P for “pathophysiological class” which is the physiological diagnosis.

Varicose veins do not disappear except with surgery. Modern varicose vein procedures are performed under local anesthesia with endovascular methods.

Only the part of the vascular system that is damaged is treated and ultrasound is used for diagnosis.

A healthy lifestyle and exercise can potentially delay the progression of varicose veins. Elastic stockings often reduce the symptoms associated with varicose veins. It is important to treat the varicose veins before the skin is damaged because those changes are often irreversible.

Weakness in the blood vessels wall is probably the main reason for the formation of varicose veins.

Valves in the venous system are supposed to prevent the blood from going in the wrong direction, which is downwards. Venous valves are in both the deep and the superficial venous system, and if they do not work, there will be reflux, which causes increased pressure on the veins below, which expand and varicose veins form. Varicose veins can form even if there is no reflux in the trunk vessels of the superficial system. Ultrasound examination of the deep and the superficial venous system before surgery ensures that the correct treatment is given.

It is likely that the causes of varicose veins are genetic. Obesity/overweight increases the likelihood of developing varicose veins, especially in women, and the disease is also often more severe with skin changes and ulcers. Hormonal factors are involved, varicose veins often first appear during pregnancy.

Varicose veins are common, as it is estimated that around 30% of people in Western societies have varicose veins.

Varicose veins are equally common in women and men, but men get them somewhat later in life. Varicose veins are often first noticed during pregnancy and that is why women get them earlier than men. The number of children also increases the incidence of varicose veins. Being overweight increases the risk of developing varicose veins.

If individuals with spider veins are also included, the frequency is much higher or around 50% in middle age.

Fatigue, irritability, pain, and swelling are common symptoms of varicose veins.

Varicose veins can be asymptomatic. However, most people have symptoms which can sometimes be vague.

Symptoms of varicose veins often become more noticeable during the day and especially after prolonged periods of standing. People with varicose veins may experience cramps at night, and they often occur in the early part of the night. Some find it difficult to describe the pain, but it is often located where varicose veins are. It is common to find it a relief when having something high under their feet. Restless legs are not usually one of the symptoms of varicose veins, these symptoms can also be present in people with no signs of venous disease. In some cases, however, the restless legs symptoms decrease or disappear after varicose vein surgery.

If varicose veins are left untreated for an extended period, permanent damage to the skin can occur and ulcers can also form. These wounds are often chronic in nature and difficult to treat and tend to come back. It is estimated that around 1% of the population in western countries has venous ulcer (healed or active) due to venous insufficiency.