Varicose veins, a condition affecting approximately one in five adults, can cause significant pain and disfigurement, yet treatment coverage by the UK's National Health Service (NHS) remains a point of contention. While a 15-minute procedure called foam sclerotherapy is proving life-changing for many, the NHS only funds treatment for cases deemed to be of severe pain or with complications, leading to frustration among patients and some medical professionals.
Michele Moore, a 58-year-old council worker, lived with painful and unsightly varicose veins for decades after her third child. The condition, characterized by bulging, twisted blood vessels, worsened over time, becoming itchy and causing a constant sensation of pressure in her legs. Despite frequent visits to her general practitioner (GP), Moore was repeatedly told that the NHS could not offer help, as varicose veins were considered a cosmetic issue rather than a health concern.
"I always said it clearly wasn’t a cosmetic issue as I was in pain all the time," Moore stated. Her experience is not unique; the NHS criteria for funding varicose vein treatment are so strict that only about 20,000 operations are performed annually, despite millions being affected by the condition.
Varicose veins occur when valves within blood vessels malfunction, causing blood to pool. This can lead to discomfort, and studies suggest a 20% increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening blood clot. The condition can impact a person's confidence and daily life, as Moore found when she became too self-conscious to wear shorts.
Seeking an alternative, Moore discovered foam sclerotherapy. This procedure involves injecting a foam solution into the faulty veins, causing them to seal and effectively die. Mr. Sanjay Patel, a vascular consultant at the UK Vein Clinic, described the process as safe and highly effective, noting that the injections typically take around 15 minutes, though most patients require three sessions for optimal results. He added that the veins being treated are no longer functioning properly, making their removal beneficial.
Moore underwent foam sclerotherapy in November, requiring only two sessions. The procedure was not painful, and she noticed an immediate difference after her leg bandages were removed two days later. Within four months, the varicose veins had faded significantly, restoring her comfort and confidence. The cost of the private treatment is approximately £2,500 per leg.
Dr. Nisa Aslam, a GP in Watford, Hertfordshire, believes it is a "scandal" that the NHS does not offer this treatment more widely. She has observed positive outcomes for patients who have received foam sclerotherapy privately and argues that the condition often prevents patients from working due to pain. Dr. Aslam suggested that increased NHS funding for varicose vein treatment could improve patients' lives, benefit the economy, and free up NHS resources, making it a logical decision.