Large, twisted veins are the hallmark of varicose veins, a common vascular disorder that typically affects the legs and feet. If left untreated, this ailment can be uncomfortable and result in more serious health problems. For optimal management, it is essential to comprehend the causes of varicose veins and the possible treatment choices. This article will examine varicose vein causes and treatments, offering a comprehensive professional summary to help people make an informed decision about getting the right care from a vein clinic in Singapore.
Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins develop when the veins become enlarged and overfilled with blood. This usually occurs when the valves in the veins, which prevent blood from flowing backwards, fail to function properly. A weakening or injury to these valves can result in blood pooling in the veins, which can strain and distort them.
Varicose veins can occur due to several circumstances. Age is a significant factor; as people age, the veins lose elasticity, and the valves may weaken. Genetics also play a role, as a family history of varicose veins increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Gender is another contributing factor, with women more likely to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, which tend to relax vein walls.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose vein symptoms can range in severity from minor to severe. Common symptoms include aching or heavy feeling in the legs, burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in the lower legs. Itching around the veins and changes in skin colour around a varicose vein is also common. In severe cases, varicose veins can lead to painful ulcers or open sores on the skin near the veins, which require immediate medical attention from a vascular doctor in Singapore.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
There are several treatment options available for varicose veins, ranging from lifestyle changes and self-care measures to medical procedures performed by a vascular surgeon in Singapore. Treatment choice depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve blood circulation in the legs and reduce the pressure on the veins.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate pressure on the veins and improve overall vascular health.
- Elevating Legs: Elevating the legs above the heart level several times daily can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
- Compression Stockings: Compression stockings can facilitate more effective blood flow through the legs’ muscles and veins. They apply consistent pressure to the legs, reducing swelling and discomfort.
Medical Treatments
- Sclerotherapy: In this procedure, a solution is injected into small and medium-sized varicose veins, causing them to scar and close. Over time, the treated veins fade. Sclerotherapy performed at a vein clinic in Singapore is effective and minimally invasive, requiring no anaesthesia.
- Laser Treatments: Laser treatments use bursts of light to make the veins slowly fade and disappear. This treatment is often used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.
- Catheter-Assisted Procedures: In more severe cases, a catheter is inserted into the enlarged vein, and the tip of the catheter is heated. The heat causes the vein to contract and seal shut as the catheter is removed.
- Vein Stripping and Ligation: This surgical procedure involves tying off a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing it through small incisions. This procedure is typically reserved for severe cases and is performed by a vascular surgeon in Singapore.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This procedure involves removing smaller varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures. It is done under local anaesthesia and offers immediate results.
Conclusion
Commonly occurring varicose veins can be extremely uncomfortable and, if addressed, can result in more serious health problems. Understanding the causes and potential treatments is essential for managing this illness. Patients in Singapore who are exhibiting varicose vein symptoms ought to consult a vein clinic for expert therapy. Under the supervision of a qualified vascular physician or surgeon in Singapore, patients can find comfort and improve their vascular health with a variety of treatment choices, including lifestyle modifications, medicinal procedures, and surgical interventions.
Contact Cheng SC Vein and Endovascular today for more information.
