Enhance Vascular Health: Recognise Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins impact an individual’s quality of life, both physically and emotionally. As a result, gaining a comprehensive understanding of this condition, including symptoms and causes of varicose veins, allows patients to recognise when to seek medical attention and reclaim control over their vascular health.
Who Is Most Likely to Develop Varicose Veins
Varicose veins do not discriminate. It may affect adults of all ages and genders. However, certain high-risk groups are more prone to developing this condition, including
- Pregnant & menopausal women
- People with family history and sedentary lifestyle
- Individuals with jobs requiring constant standing (e.g., retail and hotel workers)
Amongst these groups, women during hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, are more likely to develop the condition due to the effect of hormones on the vein walls. When hormone levels decrease, the vein walls relax, allowing more blood to build up inside the veins. This increases pressure on the valves in the veins, leading to bulging and twisted veins.
What Are the Causes of Varicose Veins
Veins play a critical role in the circulatory system by working against gravity to return deoxygenated blood to the heart for reoxygenation. Within these veins are tiny valves that open and close, allowing upward blood movement and preventing it from flowing backwards. However, when these valves become weak or damaged, they fail to function properly. This condition is known as venous insufficiency.
As a result, blood begins to flow in the wrong direction and accumulates in certain areas of the veins. This causes the veins to enlarge, stretch, and become twisted, giving rise to varicose veins. While weakened and damaged valves are the primary causes of varicose veins, several contributing factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal changes, and genetic factors, exacerbate the condition.
How to Recognise Varicose Veins
Early recognition of varicose veins ensures timely intervention and effective treatment. Some key symptoms include the visible appearance of bulging, twisted veins, particularly in the legs. Individuals may also experience leg cramps, itching, and aching sensations, especially after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
When seeking medical evaluation, our vascular specialist, Dr Tang Tjun Yip, may employ various diagnostic techniques to confirm the presence of varicose veins and determine the appropriate treatment approach.
- Physical examination to visually assess the veins and evaluate their size, shape, and condition.
- Ultrasound imaging utilises sound waves to produce images of the veins and their blood flow. This non-invasive procedure provides a detailed view of the veins’ structure to identify areas of reflux, blood clots, or other abnormalities.
- Vein mapping creates a detailed map of the veins in the legs to evaluate underlying issues and plan treatment accordingly. It provides a comprehensive view of the venous system, facilitating precise targeting of the affected veins during treatment.
Take proactive steps towards healthier veins.
Why Early Management of Varicose Veins is Important
Varicose veins extend beyond cosmetic concerns. They may cause physical discomfort, including pain, swelling, and a sense of heaviness or fatigue in the legs. Additionally, varicose veins impact self-esteem and body image, potentially affecting individuals’ emotional well-being. If left untreated, this condition may lead to severe complications such as blood clots, skin changes, and ulcers.
Seeking early management allows individuals to live pain-free lives and eliminate limitations caused by varicose veins.
Varicose Vein Treatment Options
Our clinic provides minimally invasive transformative solutions for varicose veins depending on their severity, size, and location.
- Endovenous Thermal Treatments use different heat energies to treat varicose veins. These methods offer immediate symptom relief, quick recovery time, and a low recurrence rate.
- Endovenous Non-thermal Treatments seal the varicose veins without heat, reducing the risk of nerve injuries and post-procedure bruising.
- Hook phlebectomy removes varicose side branches through micro-incisions. This technique effectively strips varicose veins that appear as twisted, bulging veins on the skin’s surface in combination with open surgery or other ablative treatments.
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound or Echotherapy blocks faulty veins without entering the vein. It uses ultrasound waves from a special transducer onto the faulty veins to seal it off.
When To Seek Treatment for Varicose Veins
Recognising the right time to seek treatment is crucial for managing varicose veins effectively.
Indications for medical evaluation include
- Veins that are swollen, red, and tender to the touch
- Skin thickening and discolouration on calf or ankle
- Sores and rashes near the veins
- Bleeding veins
- Varicose veins that affect simple daily tasks and cause emotional distress
Key Takeaways: Empower Your Vascular Health Today
Varicose veins may have a significant impact on an individual’s well-being. By prioritising your vascular health and seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, you prevent the progression of varicose veins, minimise potential complications, and alleviate symptoms.
Enjoy a life free from the burden of varicose veins.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Tang Tjun Yip to improve your overall well-being and restore vascular wellness today.