Although around a third of adults will get varicose veins at some point, only a small percentage of people will develop significant complications from their varicose veins that require treatment. While aching legs and the unsightly appearance of your veins may prompt you to consider treatment, these conditions are not considered serious enough for the NHS to offer treatment, and you will need to seek treatment privately.

However, there are some symptoms and signs which mean that you should make an appointment with your GP to be referred to the NHS in order to get them treated.

1. Your varicose veins are hard, red and causing you severe pain or discomfort
2. The skin over your veins is sore and irritated with a permanent rash
3. The veins bleed
4. The skin around the ankle is permanently discoloured or has broken down

Unless you want to opt for treatment privately straight away, your GP will refer you on for NHS treatment if the problems with your veins are severe. If they do not meet the criteria to qualify for NHS treatment, you can opt to have them treated privately.