Has anyone had successful treatment for varicose veins?

[Costacoffeeplease]

I've had one in my left calf for years, but it's starting to get painful - anyone know what the best treatment is?

I think the treatment depends on what the cause is. I had radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein as this was causing my problems but you only find this out with an extensive ultrasound, not just by looking at it.

but there are other treatments too depending on cause and how extensive it is.

Also, although my legs were bad and I had lots of pain (was constantly on pain killers), I couldn't get them done on the NHS. my trust stopped treating them all together unless they bleed badly. I had to have them done privately.

Thanks - I'm not in the uk so am expecting to go private anyway

I had my right great saphenous vein removed when I was 33. I'm 50. My private health insurance covered the cost.

I had my saphenous vein treated 10 days ago with radio frequency ablation. Still wearing the compression stocking. Already it feels as if it has reduced a lot, although still some lumpy bits.

I had radiofrequency ablation done on the NHS when I was 30 (two years ago).

I was quite firm about the pain I was in but they were very quick to refer me. Two years later they are still fine - you can see a bit of damage where the vein is closed but it looks fine and only hurt for a few hours - I was walking around fine by the next day.

That all seems quite positive