Varicose veins are very common, and almost 30% of all people over the age of 30 have them to varying degrees. Varicose veins are just as common in men as in women.

Risk factors for developing varicose veins include heredity, pregnancy, obesity, age, or occupations that involve extra strain (standing and sitting) on the legs.

Varicose veins occur in the superficial veins due to valve failure. Visible varicose veins on the front and inside of the calf or thigh may indicate that the cause originates in the groin. Varicose veins on the front and/or back of the calf indicate that the cause is likely to originate in the popliteal fossa. A few people have multiple causes or a combination of causes. The most common is to have varicose veins in only one leg, but approximately 30% of all people with varicose veins have them in both legs.

A thorough ultrasound examination will reveal the causes, and you will receive personalized, modern, and effective treatment.

Operation

The operation is a very minor procedure. The patient is awake during the procedure, and most people experience only slight discomfort.

Varicose veins do not usually disappear on their own. If varicose veins cause persistent discomfort, you can have surgery at Kalbakkenklinikken. 

Surgery

If you choose to remove the varicose veins, this can be done surgically. The operation can also help with venous ulcers below the ankle, pain, or heavy and tired legs.

There are several surgical methods, but normally the surgeon will tie off and "strip" the vein. This is often done through two incisions in the legs, one in the groin and another on the inside of the knee or ankle. The surgeon first ties off the vein near the groin and then removes it through the incision further down.

You will probably be able to go home the same day, but the recovery period after surgery can be painful. Your legs may be sore and tender for several weeks.

Surgery for varicose veins involves a small risk. Possible side effects include allergic reactions to anesthetics, heavy bleeding during or after surgery, and bruising and numbness in areas of the leg.

In rare cases, dangerous complications may arise. After the operation, some patients may develop a blood clot in the deep veins. This causes the leg to swell more than normal. If this happens, you should seek medical attention immediately to obtain blood-thinning medication.

If the large nerve running down the back of the thigh is damaged, the foot may become limp and weak, a condition known as drop foot. 

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to close off varicose veins. A special catheter is inserted into the vein to close it off by heating it. This treatment is becoming increasingly common, as studies show that the method is just as effective as surgery, while patients recover more quickly after the procedure.

Laser treatment

During laser treatment, a very thin catheter is inserted through a small hole in the skin and into the vein. A laser is then placed in the catheter. The intense light from the laser heats up the vein and causes it to close.

This method is also being used more and more for the same reasons as radiofrequency ablation.

Injection treatment/sclerotherapy

Injections of chemicals into the varicose veins can cause the blood vessels to collapse, preventing blood from passing through. This is called sclerotherapy. It is often used to treat residual varicose veins after surgery.

Injections can have side effects. The skin may become discolored, and it may take some time for this to disappear. Injections are often not as effective as surgery to remove a vein. The likelihood of varicose veins returning is greater after injection than after surgery, and some people find the injections painful.

Many people experience an itchy rash with swelling where the needle was inserted, but this is temporary. You may also experience bruising and redness after injections.