Are YOU plagued by varicose veins? From relaxing hot baths to underfloor heating, expert reveals how winter can make your symptoms worse…

It’s that time of year when the millions of people with varicose veins pop their stilton-coloured pins into trousers and tights – and breathe a sigh of relief.

But while they may be out of sight, the rogue veins are rarely far from the mind.

‘Some patients complain during winter that their varicose veins are actually worse than during summer,’ explains Dr David West, an interventional radiologist and founder of Veincentre, a specialist vein removal clinic.

And there are a variety of reasons for this – mainly because the 15 million of us in the UK with varicose veins are unwittingly triggering flare-ups through our daily activities.

Here, Dr West reveals the most common triggers of vein issues during winter…

HOT BATHS, SAUNAS AND HOT TUBS

Bath heat can actually cause veins to dilate in order to dispel the body heat, explains Dr David West, founder of Veincentre, a specialist vein removal clinic

Slipping into a hot bath on a cold winter’s evening or relaxing in a sauna or hot tub sounds wonderful.

But the heat can actually cause veins to dilate in order to dispel the body heat, rather like a radiator.

As a result, legs get more tired, ache, itch and feel heavy.

WEIGHT GAIN OVER CHRISTMAS/THE COLDER MONTHS

Extra weight means your legs are under more stress to pump blood back to your heart, he says

Weight gain is common during the holiday months as we gorge on indulgent treats.

But it’s not just your waistline that suffers. Extra weight means your legs are under more stress to pump blood back to your heart.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Underfloor heating and excessive central heating in the winter months can have the same effect in triggering varicose vein flare-ups

The latest middle-class must-have can also trigger varicose vein flare-ups.

Warmth in the summer months is well known to make the symptoms of varicose veins worse.

Underfloor heating and excessive central heating in the winter months can have the same effect.

The best way to get rid of your symptoms for good is to have the varicose veins treated by the new laser techniques.

However in the meantime, to prevent a flare up, don’t have the thermostat too high.

BAD CIRCULATION DUE TO COLD WEATHER 

Sitting inside during the winter months – causes people to exercise less. This means blood pools in the legs – making symptoms worse

We’re all guilty of hunkering down and sitting inside during the winter months – which means we tend to exercise less.

This is bad for venous (vein) function as the calf muscle pump, which pushes blood back up the legs, to the heart is not as effective.

This means blood pools in the legs – making symptoms worse.

This is because blood pooling stretches the veins, causing aching and heaviness.

Exercise helps make the calf pump more efficient and prevents the pooling and other painful symptoms. 

HIGH HEELS DURING PARTY SEASON

Wearing high heels inhibits the calf muscle pump – which means it’s harder for blood to return from the legs up to the heart

Although I would never want to spoil a good party our outfit, if you’re suffering from symptoms with your varicose veins then try to limit the use of high heels.

Wearing high heels also inhibits the calf muscle pump – which means it’s harder for blood to return from the legs up to the heart. This means it pools in the legs – making symptoms worse.

So for less painful pins, and to sprained ankle, kick those heels off when dancing!

HOW TO DEAL WITH VEIN PAIN

Lie or sit down with your feet elevated. This helps the flow of blood back from the legs, stops the distension of the veins and relieves feelings of heaviness

Avoid standing for long periods of time

If it doesn’t seem too miserable, shower your legs (or soak them) in cool water before bed.

Elevate your legs for at least 15 minutes every evening to relieve pain and swelling.

Lie or sit down with your feet elevated. This helps the flow of blood back from the legs, stops the distension of the veins and relieves feelings of heaviness, aching, itching and any ankle swelling.

Wearing pressure stockings can help alleviate symptoms.

Wear light, loose clothes if you have the heat on.

‘UNDER FLOOR HEATING WAS THE BANE OF MY LIFE’ 

When Isabelle Granger-Cohet 55, a dental surgeon from Kensington, London, spent a week at a holiday villa in France last year, the under-floor heating seemed a luxurious bonus.

WINTER: THE BEST TIME OF YEAR

Winter is actually the best time of year to get your varicose veins treated, says Dr West.

This is because it gives you plenty of time to heal and have follow up treatment for spider veins before the warmer weather arrives.

Waiting lists are also shorter this time of year. If you are having problems with varicose veins don’t wait to the late spring or summer to ask for treatment, as you may find it’s too late.

‘It was a beautifully renovated farmhouse with stone floors throughout, and under-floor heating as the main source of heat,’ she recalls.

‘I had been suffering from varicose veins for years, and put up with it as many people do. But the under-floor heating made matters much worse for me, with my legs swelling up and becoming very painful.

‘I had to use a cold shower on my legs two or three times a day for it to be bearable. I was glad to leave at the end of the week.’

The experience prompted Mrs Granger-Cohet to have her varicose veins treated by Dr West.

He recommends the best way to avoid painful symptoms in the summer months is to get them treated beforehand.

‘Varicose veins can become very uncomfortable in hot weather, so it’s better to get them treated during autumn or winter,’ he said.

‘It’s also more comfortable to have treatment in the cooler weather,’ he added. 

• For more information, visit www.veincentre.com