Varicose veins service leaflet

Compression hosiery/therapy is used for the treatment of varicose veins. Your nurse will discuss: Which compression hosiery will be most appropriate for you and will meet your needs A suitable prescription for one pair of hosiery which will be sent to your surgery. You will have to collect the prescription and take it to your local pharmacist.

If the hosiery is comfortable a second pair can be ordered via your surgery. You are allowed two pairs per year on prescription. Further hosiery can be purchased through any local pharmacist.

The Varicose Vein Prioritisation Protocol: Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Varicose Vein Clinic Contact Details:-

Varicose Vein Service

The Tissue Viability Centre St Peters Hospital Spital Road Maldon Essex CM9 6EG Phone/fax 01621 727250

Care of your hosiery When and how to correctly apply your hosiery including applying compression hosiery in the morning and removing it at night.

How regular moisturising can prevent your skin becoming dry.

A follow up appointment will be offered one month after your initial assessment and you have the option to have either a telephone or a clinic appointment at an agreed time and date. This is to ensure you have received the correct hosiery, that it is comfortable and that your symptoms have improved.

Provide does not offer surgical treatments of varicose veins.

Surgical referral will only be made in very specific circumstances.* * Please note that this is a commissioning decision.

If you need this leaflet in braille, audio, large print or another language, please contact our Customer Service Team on: 01621 727286 / 727287 or by email at: provide.customerservices@nhs.net

Provide St Peter’s Hospital 32a Spital Road Maldon Essex CM9 6EG

T: 01621 725323 F: 01621 727301 E: provide.enquiries@nhs.net

PRP1025

Varicose veins

Assessment

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that often appear blue or dark purple in colour. Often they are lumpy, bulging and twisted in appearance.

During the assessment the nurse will:

You may experience the following symptoms: Heavy, aching and uncomfortable legs Swollen legs and feet.

Burning or throbbing sensation.

Muscle cramps Dry, itchy skin particularly over the vein These symptoms are often worse during the summer and after standing for long periods. This is due to pressure on the veins in the leg. Symptoms often improve with walking, resting and elevating the legs when sitting. You should avoid standing for long periods.

Take a detailed medical history Examine both your legs Classify your varicose veins according to a Protocol tool Your veins contain one way valves that open to allow the blood to flow towards the heart. The valves then close preventing the back flow of the blood. The vein walls can become stretched causing the valves to weaken and not function properly. This means the blood flows backwards and the veins to swell

Risk Factors Women are more at risk than men of developing varicose veins.

You are more at risk of developing varicose veins if you have a family history of this problem.

Increasing age reduces the elasticity in the veins and the valves fail to work properly.

Excess weight puts extra pressure on the veins resulting in the veins having to work harder to return the blood back to the heart.

Occupations that involve standing for long periods increase the risk of developing varicose veins.

Medical history of a previous blood clot also known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a swelling or tumour in the pelvis or abnormal blood vessels.

During pregnancy there is extra strain on the veins because the blood volume increases to support the development of the baby.

Also hormone levels increase resulting in the muscular walls of the veins becoming relaxed possibly resulting in varicose veins. The varicose veins often improve following the birth of the baby.

Assess your circulation using an ultrasound machine called a Doppler to assess your suitability to wear compression hosiery. This test is non-invasive and should not cause you any discomfort.

Treatment After the assessment your nurse will provide you with information about reducing your symptoms by: Exercising to improve your circulation Avoiding standing for long periods Elevating your legs when sitting Wearing compression hosiery to improve your circulation and reduce the swelling Advice on controlling your pain or discomfort