What you may notice
Bulging or twisted veins may accompany aching, heaviness, ankle swelling or itching, often after prolonged standing. Skin near the ankle may become dry, discoloured or inflamed. Visible veins alone do not show how severe the underlying problem is.
Veins return blood
Calf muscles support return flow
What could cause it?
Leaking vein valves can let blood pool in the leg. Swelling or pain may also come from a clot, skin infection, lymphatic swelling, medicines, or heart or kidney disease. Joint and nerve pain can coexist. Examination and a venous ultrasound can check for reflux or obstruction when appropriate.
When to contact a doctor
Seek assessment for troublesome aching, persistent swelling, skin changes or a wound. New one-sided swelling or a tender red vein needs urgent review. If a vein bleeds, lie down, raise the leg if possible and apply firm direct pressure. Heavy or continuing bleeding, faintness, chest pain or breathlessness requires emergency care; call 108.
What does a vein ultrasound tell us?
Duplex ultrasound maps blood flow and checks which valves allow blood to flow backwards, called reflux. It helps the team plan which vein, if any, needs treatment. Tell the clinician about previous clots, vein procedures and changes in the skin.
An ankle wound may involve vein disease, poor arterial supply or both. Foot pulses and, when appropriate, ankle-pressure testing help establish whether compression is suitable.
How interventional radiology may help
Movement, weight management when appropriate and correctly prescribed compression may ease symptoms. For confirmed symptomatic reflux, IR can offer suitable vein ablation or injection treatment; surgery is another option. Compression should be fitted after assessing circulation. No procedure is selected solely from the appearance of a vein.
What helps day to day?
Regular movement, breaks from prolonged standing or sitting, and raising the legs when resting may reduce discomfort. Gradual weight loss can help if you are overweight. Moisturising dry, intact skin may ease itching.
Compression can reduce swelling and aching, but it does not repair a leaking valve. Ask which size and pressure to use and how long to wear it. The guides below explain fitting, putting stockings on and caring for them.
Common questions
Does closing a vein block circulation?
Treatment targets a selected faulty superficial vein. Other functioning veins carry blood back towards the heart. Ultrasound assessment checks that the planned route is appropriate; significant deep-vein disease may change the plan.
Will the veins come back after treatment?
New veins or recurrent reflux can develop, and further treatment may be needed. Ask about the expected benefit for your symptoms, possible bruising, skin or nerve injury, clot risk and follow-up. Surgery and injection treatments may also be options.
Useful next steps
Further reading: detailed assessment and treatment options
Patient information sources
References are in English.
- NHS: varicose veins
- ACR/RSNA: vein ablation, benefits and risks
- NHS: circulation checks before compression
Educational information, not a diagnosis. The causes listed are examples, not a complete list. Tests and treatment depend on your individual assessment.