Varicose Veins Singapore

Varicose veins are unusually enlarged blood vessels near the surface of the skin, most commonly found in the legs, behind your knees and linking all the way to your ankles. While some people notice only visible veins, others may experience aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, or discomfort. Varicose veins may also be associated with underlying conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency. The recommended treatment depends on the location and severity of the veins, the symptoms present, and the findings of a medical assessment.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are unusually enlarged blood vessels near the surface of the skin, most commonly found in the legs, behind your knees and linking all the way to your ankles. Although varicose veins might seem like an aesthetic concern, they can be painful and uncomfortable for some people.

Moreover, this condition may be a symptom of more serious venous diseases such as chronic venous insufficiency. With the technological advancement in medicine, there are many types of minimally invasive varicose vein removal treatments in Singapore such as ClariVein and VenaSeal which have shown good results.

Ultimately, different individuals have different needs and preferences. As such, the varicose vein treatment recommended to you by your doctor in Singapore will depend on the severity of your condition.

What causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a result of the failure of the valves in the veins in the legs. In healthy veins, valves in the vein work against gravity to enable blood to flow to the heart for purification. In the case of patients with varicose veins, increased pressure from standing too long causes the valves to not work properly, resulting in the blood flowing backwards and collecting in the vein. Blood that pools causes the vein to enlarge and become twisted, leading to varicose veins.

Medical findings show that varicoses occur in 35% of women and 20% of men over the age of 20. Women are more likely to suffer from the condition as a result of hormonal changes weakening the veins during pregnancy or menopause. Varicose veins often run in families with genetic predisposition where some patients are born with faulty valves from childbirth. Ageing and being overweight also increases the risk of acquiring the condition.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Common Symptoms

Some people experience no discomfort. When symptoms occur, they may include dark blue or purple veins, visible twisted or swollen veins, aching, leg cramps, itching, and swelling around the feet or ankles.

Symptoms That Require Medical Assessment

Seek medical advice if you experience persistent burning or throbbing pain, worsening swelling, symptoms that intensify after prolonged sitting or standing, bleeding, open sores, or leg ulcers. These may indicate a more significant circulation problem that requires further assessment.

How To Prevent Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins is a common condition characterised by swollen, twisted veins, often seen in the legs. While certain factors such as genetics and ageing can increase the risk of developing varicose veins, there are proactive steps you can take to help prevent their occurrence or minimise their progression.

Regular Exercise

Engage in regular physical activity to promote good circulation and muscle tone. Activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling can help strengthen the calf muscles, which play a crucial role in assisting blood flow in the legs.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight can put added pressure on the veins in your legs. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise can help alleviate this pressure and reduce the risk of varicose veins.

Elevate Your Legs

Whenever possible, elevate your legs above heart level to encourage blood flow back to the heart. This is particularly important after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing

If your job requires long periods of sitting or standing, take regular breaks to move and stretch your legs. Shift your weight from one leg to another or do calf raises to help prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities.

Wear Compression Stockings

Consider wearing compression stockings, especially if you have a family history of varicose veins or experience symptoms like leg fatigue or swelling. These stockings help improve blood flow by providing gentle pressure to the legs.

How Varicose Veins Are Diagnosed

During the diagnosis of varicose veins, our vascular specialists will do a physical exam to check for swelling, sores, skin colour changes or tender areas in your legs while you are standing or sitting with your legs dangling. Our doctors may also ask you to describe any cases of pain and discomfort in your legs over the years to diagnose varicose veins.

If you have signs of deep vein thrombosis or abnormal blood flows, our doctors may do a Sonography (vascular ultrasound test) to examine if your blood is flowing normally or if there is any evidence of a blood clot within the varicose veins. Our doctors are trained to perform this non-invasive test as part of the diagnostic assessment for varicose veins. With their ability to do an ultrasound and understand the information in the same consultation, our doctors can quickly diagnose and recommend customised procedures to prevent the worsening of varicose veins.

When to Seek Medical Assessment

Not all varicose veins require treatment. However, a medical assessment may be considered when varicose veins cause persistent pain, swelling, bleeding, skin changes or non-healing sores. A doctor can assess whether the symptoms are related to venous reflux or another circulation condition. The need for varicose vein treatment or removal will depend on the severity of the symptoms, the findings of the examination, and how the condition affects your comfort and mobility.

Varicose Veins Treatment in Singapore

The choice of treatment will depend on the severity and location of the varicose veins, as well as your overall health and preferences. We will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate varicose vein removal treatment.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):

These minimally invasive procedures use heat generated by laser or radiofrequency energy to seal off and collapse the affected vein. This causes the blood to reroute through healthier veins, reducing the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy:

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special solution directly into the varicose vein. The solution irritates the vein’s lining, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. This is often used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.

Vein Stripping and Ligation:

In cases of severe varicose veins, surgical procedures like vein stripping and ligation may be recommended. During vein stripping, the affected vein is surgically removed, while ligation involves tying off the vein to prevent blood flow. These procedures are typically performed under anaesthesia.

Compression Stockings:

While not a direct treatment for varicose veins, compression stockings are often recommended as part of a conservative management approach. They help improve blood circulation in the legs and reduce symptoms like swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins.

Medisave Claimable & Cashless Options

Our varicose vein removal treatments are Medisave claimable, with cashless options available. This makes it easier for you to receive treatment without financial stress.

Arrange a Vascular Assessment

Patients experiencing persistent pain, swelling, skin changes, bleeding or non-healing sores may arrange a vascular assessment. The findings can help determine whether monitoring, symptom management, varicose vein removal or treatment may be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of varicose veins?

Varicose veins can be caused by occupational and lifestyle factors including prolonged standing.

When should I be concerned about varicose veins?

It is highly recommended to visit a vein clinic when you experience severe and continuous pain, swelling in the legs, bleeding, ulcer infection and skin infection. Ideally, you should treat your varicose veins before these symptoms start to appear.

Do varicose veins go away?

No. Varicose veins do not go away unless proper treatment is provided.

What foods are bad for varicose veins?

While no particular food negatively impacts varicose veins, they cannot be treated by dietary changes either. Therefore, it is still highly recommended to visit a vein clinic for treatment.

Are varicose veins a sign of poor health?

Varicose veins are not a sign of poor health. However, if left untreated they can bleed and clot up, causing ulcers and permanent skin damage.