Varicose veins are common in the UK

Varicose veins are more common than most people may think and those with the condition shouldn't feel self conscious.

Eddie Chaloner, consultant vascular surgeon and founder of www.radiancehealth.co.uk, explained that varicose veins are widespread across the general population in the UK.

"About 30 per cent of people will suffer with varicose veins in some form during their lifetimes," he said.

However, each individual with the condition will probably experience it in a different way to the next.

According to Mr Chaloner, symptoms can range from "relatively mild cosmetic dissatisfaction", to soreness and swelling.

In the most extreme cases, people can even develop skin damage and venous ulceration.

Despite what can be pretty extreme consequences of the condition, there is still uncertainty over the causes of varicose veins.

Mr Chaloner claims that theories about excessive standing, exercise, crossing legs and sitting down too often are "unlikely to be correct".

Unfortunately, this lack of understanding means that it is very difficult to prevent varicose veins from forming once they begin. However, there are many successful treatments available for the condition.

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