As many as one in three people in the UK, both
men and women, are likely to suffer from varicose
veins at some time in their lives. Although
varicose veins are not a serious problem, they can
cause aching and swelling of the legs, as well as
being some what embarrassing in appearance. There
are two forms of treatment available; injection
and surgery.
When veins are in the early stages, a process
called "sclerotherapy" may be used. This treatment
consists of a series of small virtually painless
injections being made into the affected area,
causing the veins to close up and eventually
disappear.
In more involved cases, surgery may be needed.
This offers good long term results. The operation
is carried out under local or general anaesthetic,
depending on the state of your health and the
amount of surgery required. Many operations
involve an overnight stay, although for some
patients day surgery may be appropriate.
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