Michelle's Varicose Vein Journey: 30 Years of Symptoms Treated with Foam Sclerotherapy

Meet Michelle, a 58-year-old council worker who had been living with painful varicose veins for more than three decades. After years of discomfort and hiding her legs, she chose to have foam sclerotherapy at UK Vein Clinic with vascular surgeon Miss Rachael Forsyth.

Today, Michelle is no longer living with the pain that once affected her every day, and she's regained the confidence to wear shorts again.

Michelle's Experience Living with Varicose Veins

Michelle first noticed changes in her legs after the birth of her third child. What began as faint, thread-like veins gradually became larger and more raised over the years that followed, developing into the painful, twisted veins she lived with for decades.

Her symptoms included constant aching and a feeling of tightness and pressure in her legs, as well as itching that grew worse in warm weather. As the years passed, these symptoms became harder to ignore, particularly after long periods on her feet.

Like many patients, Michelle went to her GP for help, only to be told there was little that could be done, as the NHS generally classes varicose veins as a cosmetic issue rather than a medical one. Despite living with daily discomfort, she found that NHS treatment criteria simply didn't apply to her case.

Determined to find an answer, Michelle began researching private treatment and came across foam sclerotherapy.

Step 1: Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment

She booked a consultation at UK Vein Clinic, where she received a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, including a duplex ultrasound scan, to identify the underlying cause of her varicose veins and build a personalised treatment plan.

This scan gave her specialist a clear picture of which veins needed treatment, and Michelle was guided through her results and options in detail, leaving her feeling confident about the next step.

Step 2: Michelle's Foam Sclerotherapy Treatment Day

Michelle opted for ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive treatment that seals faulty veins using a specially prepared foam. Her treatment was carried out by Miss Rachael Forsyth, one of our Vascular Surgeons at UK Vein Clinic.

Using ultrasound guidance, the foam is carefully injected into the affected veins. Blood is naturally redirected into healthy veins, while the treated veins gradually shrink and are absorbed by the body over time.

Michelle had two treatment sessions with Rachael. She found the procedure far more comfortable than she'd expected, telling the Mail on Sunday that it hadn't hurt at all. Following each appointment, she wore compression bandaging as advised and stayed active with regular walking to support her recovery, and within a couple of days she'd already noticed a visible difference in her legs.

Results and Life After Treatment

Michelle had her treatment in November, and by around four months post-treatment, her varicose veins were barely visible, and the aching, itching and pressure she'd lived with for decades had gone.

Being able to wear shorts again without a second thought has been one of the biggest changes for her, giving her a level of confidence she hadn't felt in years.

Michelle's story is a reminder that lasting relief is possible, however long you've lived with varicose veins. At UK Vein Clinic, we believe in building a treatment experience that puts you at ease, guided by expert clinicians who are with you every step of the way.

Michelle's Story Featured in the Mail on Sunday

Michelle's treatment journey was recently featured in the Mail on Sunday, helping to raise awareness that varicose veins can affect much more than appearance. The feature also included commentary from our Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Mr Sanjay Patel, who explained how foam sclerotherapy safely closes faulty veins, allowing blood to flow through healthier veins instead. As a minimally invasive procedure, treatment is performed under ultrasound guidance, requires no general anaesthetic, and most patients can return home shortly afterwards.

Many people live with symptoms such as aching, heaviness, and itching for years before seeking advice, despite effective, minimally invasive treatments being available.

If you're experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, booking a consultation with one of our clinical vascular specialists can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.