Veins and their various conditions can be a bit of a mystery to non-specialists. So, to help you understand your venous system a little better, here’s Dr Zil Yassine, Medical Director of The Vein Institute, answering some of your commonly asked vein questions.

Why do I have bulging veins in my feet?

According to Dr Zil, there are a few reasons why your foot veins may be bulging, as not all bulging foot veins are pathological:

● Genetics: you may have inherited larger veins or thinner skin from your family, making your veins appear more prominent

● Ageing: as we age, we lose some of our collagen, resulting in veins becoming more visible

● Gravity: foot veins tend to get more prominent after strenuous exercise or toward the end of the day, returning to normal if you prop your feet up at or below heart level.

However, if you start noticing your foot veins growing darker and more twisted or start feeling pain, itching, or burning sensations, you should see a specialist to exclude varicose veins.

Why do my veins hurt?

“One of the most common causes of vein pain is varicose veins,” says Dr Zil.

Our veins have tiny valves to stop blood from flowing backwards. If the valves can’t properly close due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency, blood leaks through and pools around the lower extremities. This, in turn, makes the vein walls bulge and activates unique pain receptors.

Symptoms often include heaviness, itching and a dull ache towards the end of the day.

How can I cover my varicose veins in the summer?

Dr Zil notes that some patients find success with makeup, longer swimmers, and opaque sunscreen that matches their skin tone. However, as varicose veins bulge (and do so more in the hotter months), it can be difficult to fully conceal the condition.

“Self-tanners and makeup may work for you, but they are time-consuming to apply and generally won’t conceal your varicose veins as much as you’d like them to,” he says.

“The easiest way to ‘hide’ your varicose veins in the summer is through medical treatment if treatment is mandated.”

Do I need treatment for my varicose veins?

There are some people who opt not to get medical treatment, which is okay in most cases if you’re not experiencing symptoms. However, if you are experiencing pain, swelling and cramping, treating your varicose veins will give you relief and decrease your risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis and skin changes.

“I want to make it clear that vascular surgery is NOT your only option,” Dr Zil says.

“I and the other doctors at The Vein Institute perform minimally invasive, walk-in, walk-out treatments that are considered safer and just as effective as surgery.”

Start your varicose vein treatment journey at The Vein Institute’s Canberra clinic. Call 13 VEINS (that’s 13 83467) today.

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