Spider veins are the tiny pink and purple thread like veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. People who stand for long periods of time during the day for many years end up with spider veins on their legs and feet. Many of the spider veins with their unsightly short jagged patterns look like spiders and some are located in one general area while others are spread throughout both legs and feet. Spider veins are the earliest manifestations of venous diseases.
Spider Veins are caused by many different factors such as where a person works, how heavy the person is, and the medical history of a family. For a person who stands for a long number of hours such as teachers, nurses, or construction workers are more prone to spider veins. A heavier person is more likely to develop veins. Sometimes it depends on the medical history of clots, how physically fit the person is and what type of shoes or clothes the person wears can bring on a vein problem such as spider veins. Vein diseases affect more women than they do men and the veins become more of a problem as the women grow older.
Before the veins begin to appear on the legs or feet, patients may start feeling pain or discomfort such as a cramping feeling in their legs and feet. The pain can be controlled by getting off their feet and putting their feet up in order to take the pressure off of them. The pain may only be the beginning of the symptoms of vein diseases like spider veins, and patients can also develop restlessness in the legs, or a burning sensation and the legs can feel heavy. Once they put their legs up for an extended period of time, the symptoms will subside.
When patients start to experience the pain or discomfort of cramps in their legs and feet, they should see a doctor right away so a proper diagnosis can be done to determine if you have spider veins. A doctor will probably order x-rays or sonography (vascular ultrasound) to be done to determine if the spider veins are causing any problems with circulation. Many times if the veins are causing problems with circulation, this can be the cause of the pain and discomfort and the spider veins may develop into more serious problems such as varicose veins.
When it comes to treating spider veins in Singapore, it’s crucial to consult specialists who can provide personalised care based on your unique needs. Here are some recommended spider vein treatment options available.
Support stockings ordered by doctors are especially useful when patients have to be on their feet often. These stockings come in three styles – below-the-knee, above-the-knee and pantyhose. At times, spider veins are not taken care of medically as soon as they are discovered. In such cases, support stockings may prevent blood clots from moving to vital organs. By creating gentle pressure in the leg that alleviates swelling and prevents blood from pooling in the veins, pain and discomfort can be relieved.
Sclerotherapy can eliminate the pain and discomfort that spider veins cause and prevent complications, including ulcers and bleeding in the veins. It also helps with vein appearance. During this procedure, a solution is injected directly into the vein. By irritating and scarring the inside of the vein, the chemical causes the spider vein to collapse over a period of 3 to 6 weeks and gradually disappear. In certain circumstances where larger veins are involved, a longer period of 6 months may be required for the veins to disappear.
As spider veins may be a manifestation of a more serious problem, it is necessary to diagnose with a Sonography (vascular ultrasound) examination before deciding on spider vein treatments in Singapore.
Spider veins may not just be a cosmetic issue, without treatment of the underlying factors, it can lead to other medical complications. For 60 to 70% of the patients with vein problems, it starts off with the appearance first. There are several reasons why you should seek treatment for your spider veins.
Discomfort and Aches: There may be no symptoms associated with your spider veins in the initial stages. It is likely that you have underlying varicose veins. As it becomes more severe, you may start to experience major discomfort such as aches, cramps and swelling.
Progressive Disease: There are many different types of treatments for venous diseases like spider veins. From the easiest remedies that can be done at home or more extreme measures that have to be done at the hospital. Some people are encouraged to lose weight, however if the spider veins are serious, losing weight may not be an option if the veins are affecting the circulation of the body. While compression stockings, medication, cream and leg elevation will alleviate the symptoms and prevent spider veins from getting worse, these treatments will not cure the disease. Sometimes the problems progress from spider veins, to varicose veins, and all the way to skin changes and ulcers. The medical term for this condition is Chronic Venous Insufficiency, which means the veins are not working well to bring the blood back from the legs to the heart.
When it comes to spider veins treatment in Singapore, we offer holistic care that integrates minimally invasive technologies for swift recoveries. As one of the few vascular and endovascular trained surgeons in Singapore, our doctor offers comprehensive services spanning from diagnosis to treatment.
Our approach begins with a comprehensive assessment where our doctor may conduct a Sonography (vascular ultrasound), providing immediate insights into any underlying vein issues. This thorough evaluation allows us to craft a personalised treatment plan aligned with your needs, incorporating procedures such as Sclerotherapy if necessary.
Beyond just addressing cosmetic concerns, we prioritise enhancing your overall vascular health and well-being. Whether you seek relief from discomfort or aesthetic improvement, our specialised care aims to deliver results.
Contact us today to discover firsthand the benefits of our approach.
Spider veins rarely resolve on their own without intervention, making treatment essential for permanent removal. Consulting a vein specialist is recommended to identify the most suitable treatment based on your specific condition. Several minimally invasive options are available, providing results with minimal disruption to your daily life.
There are a range of spider vein treatment options available in Singapore. Support stockings gently apply pressure to reduce swelling and prevent blood from pooling. For more targeted treatments, Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special medication to seal them off. These treatment can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Spider veins can arise from a variety of factors. Key contributors include heredity, prolonged standing, obesity, hormonal changes, use of birth control pills, postmenopausal hormone replacement, and a history of blood clots. Additionally, trauma or injury to the skin, previous vein surgeries, and exposure to ultraviolet rays can also play a role in their development.
Typically, spider veins do not resolve on their own, so seeking professional treatment is advisable rather than relying on home remedies. Consult with your vein specialist to explore the most effective solution, whether it’s Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy, Sclerotherapy, or even surgery, to select the appropriate treatment option.