Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins under the skin caused by weak valves inside the veins. Varicose veins treatment depends on how severe they are, and ranges from compression stockings to non-surgical options such as laser, radiofrequency or injections, and surgery when needed. In Amman, treatment is planned after a careful examination and diagnosis.
Note: This page is general education and does not replace an examination. If a varicose vein bleeds, press on it with a clean cloth and raise your leg, and seek urgent medical help if the bleeding does not stop.
Symptoms
Varicose veins do not cause symptoms in everyone, but you may notice:
- Bulging, twisted blue or purple veins on the leg.
- Heavy or aching legs that feel worse after standing and better when raised.
- Swelling of the ankle or lower leg by the end of the day.
- Itching or burning over the veins.
- Leg cramps, especially at night.
- Changes in skin colour or texture near the ankle in more advanced cases.
Causes
Varicose veins happen when the small valves inside the veins weaken, so blood flows back down and pools, stretching the vein. Things that make them more likely include:
- A family history of varicose veins.
- Getting older.
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes.
- Being overweight.
- Standing or sitting for long periods.
- A previous blood clot in the leg veins.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with questions about your symptoms and health history, then an examination of your legs while you stand.
Your doctor may request a Doppler ultrasound. This painless scan shows which way blood is flowing in the veins and where the valves are weak. The result helps choose the right treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is chosen after diagnosis, starting with the simplest option that suits your case:
No single treatment suits everyone. The choice depends on your scan, the size and position of the veins, your general health and your preferences after the options are explained.
- Lifestyle changes: regular walking, raising your legs when resting, keeping a healthy weight and avoiding standing still for long.
- Medical compression stockings: they can ease symptoms and swelling. Your doctor will advise on the type and pressure.
- Sclerotherapy (vein injections): a liquid or foam is injected through a fine needle so the vein gradually closes. Often used for small and medium veins. See sclerotherapy.
- Heat treatment from inside the vein (laser or radiofrequency): a thin tube is passed through a small puncture to seal the faulty vein from inside, without a surgical cut. See non-surgical varicose vein treatment.
- Surgery: tying off or removing the faulty vein through surgical cuts, used in certain cases where other methods are not suitable. See varicose vein surgery.
What to expect on the day and after
Most modern varicose vein treatments are done under local anaesthetic, and many patients go home the same day. Your surgeon will explain each step before you start.
- You are usually encouraged to walk soon after the procedure to keep the blood moving.
- You may be asked to wear compression stockings for a period your doctor will set.
- Mild bruising or a pulling feeling along the treated area is common and settles gradually.
- Return to work and normal activity varies from person to person, and your surgeon will explain what to expect in your case.
- A follow-up visit, sometimes with a Doppler scan, may be arranged to check the result.
When to book an appointment
- Leg pain, heaviness or swelling that affects your daily life.
- Changes in skin colour or texture near the ankle.
- A wound on the lower leg that will not heal.
- Bleeding from a varicose vein.
- Redness, pain and a hard cord along a surface vein.
- You simply want to understand your treatment options.