by Jamie Barwell | Apr 29, 2026 | Advice
Many patients weighing up varicose vein treatment find themselves comparing two very different options: pursuing treatment on the NHS or going privately. I am sometimes asked in consultations about the benefits of private treatment over the NHS route, and it is an... 
by Jamie Barwell | Apr 14, 2026 | Advice
In consultations with patients about their varicose veins, I am often asked: “Is the treatment painful?” It is a very reasonable concern. Many patients put off seeking help for months, or even years, because they imagine treatment will be unpleasant, invasive, or... 
by Jamie Barwell | Mar 22, 2026 | Guides
If you have noticed the skin around your ankle or lower leg becoming tight, tender, darker in colour, or unusually firm, you may be wondering what is causing it. One possible reason is lipodermatosclerosis. It is a long and unfamiliar medical term, but the condition... 
by Jamie Barwell | Mar 18, 2026 | Guides
If you have varicose veins, you may have come across the term “endovenous treatments” while researching your options for treating them. These are modern treatments designed to close or treat faulty veins from the inside, with less disruption to the surrounding tissues... 
by Jamie Barwell | Feb 20, 2026 | Guides
A question we are sometimes asked here at Southwest Veins is whether certain gym exercises will worsen varicose veins. The good news is that many exercises are positive for vein health. The key is choosing activities that support circulation, paying attention to how...