Cornwall Living
Take a stand
Struggling with varicose veins? Duchy Hospital has some advice on symptoms and treatment, from Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Vein Expert, Mr Windhaber.
Cornwall in summertime truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Spending time outside getting fresh air and exercise is key to maintaining our mental and physical health. Unfortunately, varicose veins could be affecting this and preventing some from wanting to, or being able to, go outside this summer.
Mr Rob Windhaber is a Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Vein Expert specialising in the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins under local anaesthetic, working at Duchy Hospital. We have been talking to Mr Windhaber about symptoms and treatment: “Many patients tell me that they cover up and avoid wearing summer clothes because they are uncomfortable about the appearance of veins on their legs. Others find they are limited in their activities by discomfort or swelling in the legs when they walk. The good news is that it does not have to be like this. Vein treatments have improved massively since the days of painful stripping operations under general anaesthesia and there are many things that you can do yourself to ease the condition.”
Mr Windhaber stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet (avoiding processed foods) and carrying out regular gentle exercise, as they have all been shown to help improve and maintain a healthy circulation. However, for those struggling with the appearance of their veins, there are options to cover up and camouflage unsightly veins with concealer or fake tan product, whilst aching can be relieved by the use of compression stockings or the application of topical anti-inflammatory gels such ibuprofen or Voltarol gel, both of which can be purchased over the counter.
Mr Windhaber tells us: “For those patients who want to get rid of their varicose veins there are a number of treatments available, all performed as a ‘walk in, walk out’ procedure under local anaesthetic at Duchy Hospital. These treatments are recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence NICE CG168 (www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg168) as being safe and the most effective available for this condition. Treatments include endovenous laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy (foam) and short-wave diathermy.” Mr Windhaber tailors treatment to each individual based on a full clinical history and detailed venous duplex scan.
DUCHY HOSPITAL
