May Thurner Syndrome and Leg Swelling
Explore how May Thurner Syndrome can cause leg swelling and other vascular complications with expert insights from our specialized varicose veins clinic in Singapore. Learn about the connection between this condition and leg symptoms, and discover effective treatment options to relieve discomfort and improve your vascular health.
Introduction to May Thurner Syndrome
May Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is an uncommon vascular disorder that affects blood flow and increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Awareness of this condition's symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja is trained and has extensive experience treating and managing May Thurner Syndrome. This article more information about the Syndrome, covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What Causes May Thurner Syndrome?
May Thurner Syndrome arises when the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein, which transports blood from the legs and pelvis to the heart. The pressure impacts blood flow, resulting in narrowing and scarring. This increases your chances of developing deep vein thrombosis in the leg, a condition that can be life-threatening.
Some with MTS have no symptoms, but over time, can develop the following venous conditions:
- Edema (leg swelling)
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
- Venous ulcers
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE, blood clot in lungs)
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of May-Thurner Syndrome vary between individuals and may develop progressively. While the condition is mostly asymptomatic, common symptoms include leg swelling, pain, heaviness in the left leg, varicose veins in your leg, and the potential for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Symptoms of DVT can include:
- Leg swelling
- Tenderness and pain in the leg
- Redness or changes in skin color
- Skin that feels warm
Diagnostic Procedures
May Thurner Syndrome diagnosis begins with going over your health history and current symptoms with your doctor. Your healthcare provider will then carry out a physical exam and may run tests that examine your blood vessels, for example:
- MRIs: With the help of strong magnetic fields, MRIs create detailed images of your blood vessels.
- CT scans: Your healthcare provider will use specialized computers and X-rays to develop images of your blood vessels.
- Ultrasound: Your provider will perform a Doppler ultrasound to check blood circulation in the large veins in the leg once they suspect MTS. This non-invasive procedure detects any blockage in the veins by a blood clot.
Clinical Evaluation
MST is assessed by carrying out an extensive physical evaluation that involves recording your medical history and physically examining you for any evident symptoms, such as swelling, discoloration of the skin, or varicose veins. The results of the imaging tests can confirm the diagnosis. By combining clinical evaluation and imaging tests, Dr. Manish Taneja, can develop a treatment plan unique to your condition.
Causes and Risk Factors
May Thurner Syndrome is mainly caused by anatomical variations. The right iliac artery exerts pressure on the left iliac vein, restricting the transportation of blood from the left leg to the heart. MTS can also be caused by external factors such as obesity or long-term immobility. These external factors increase pressure on the iliac vein, intensifying the compression.
Risk Factors
You stand a greater chance of developing May Thurner Syndrome if:
- You have genetic predispositions.
- You suffer from potential triggers that may cause your blood to clot.
- You are dehydrated.
Treatment Options
May-Thurner Syndrome often goes undetected in most people until they start showing symptoms. Treatment usually involves increasing blood flow in the left iliac vein.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Your doctor may recommend the following non-surgical treatment options.
- Medication: Your doctor may prescribe you anticoagulant drugs and blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Compression therapy: Your doctor may give you a special compression stocking to help improve blood circulation in the affected areas.
- Lifestyle modifications: Your doctor may advise you to adopt healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Surgical and Interventional Treatments
May Thurner treatment aims to break up blood clots and prevent the formation of new ones. Depending on the severity of your condition, surgical and or minimally invasive treatments such stenting and thrombolysis may be recommended and available at our clinic.
Post-Treatment Care
Post-treatment care for MST involves the following:
- Follow-up care: Regular follow-up visits are crucial after treatment. The doctor will carry out imaging tests to monitor the treated veins. Close monitoring of blood tests is also essential to gauge the effectiveness of the medication.
- Rehabilitation: As part of rehabilitation, you will be encouraged to have regular low-impact physical activities such as swimming, walking, and embracing healthy living.
- Long-term management strategies: may include periodic assessment of your overall vascular health, awareness creation on the signs to watch out for and potential complications. Long-term management may also include collaboration between different specialists to facilitate comprehensive management of the condition.
Contact Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for MTS Care and Treatment
May Thurner Syndrome occurs when the right iliac artery exerts pressure on the left iliac vein, leading to swelling and pain in the leg and an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Diagnosis often involves clinical evaluation and imaging tests such as MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasound. Treatment may include medications or surgical interventions depending on the severity of the condition.
If left untreated, May Thurner Syndrome may advance into life-threatening complications. In case you experience any of the above symptoms, you should seek immediate professional help. At Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, our compassionate specialist is here to address all your vascular needs. Our experienced and skilled use state-of-the-art techniques to diagnose MST and develop personalized treatment plans. Contact our clinic in Singapore today to start your journey to recovery.
Am I at Risk of Varicose Veins, Spider Veins, or Deep Vein Thrombosis?
The appearance of varicose and spider veins on your body is nothing of immediate concern. If there are symptoms associated with them, schedule a visit with your doctor to diagnose and treat varicose veins. Spider veins, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur on individuals with all body types, genders, and ages. The following demographics may have a higher chance of experiencing them.
- Those who are overweight (therefore, maintain a healthy weight to reduce the pressure)
- Pregnant women
- Females
- Individuals between the ages of 40 and 80
- Those who are inactive/not exercising (even sitting or standing for long periods)
- Smoker
- Frequent flyers
- Those who have had surgery or leg trauma
Varicose veins specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, offers comprehensive care for varicose veins patients at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.
Assessment of Varicose Veins
Clinical examination and ultrasound doppler scan are most important tools in assessment and deciding management of varicose veins. This takes about 15-20 minutes to do and is usually done in the clinic itself.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
There are various techniques available to treat varicose veins depending on clinical presentation. These include:
- Conservative medical management including compression socks
- Laser endovenous treatment (EVLT)
- Radio-frequency endovenous ablation (RFA)
- Clarivein endovenous treatment
- VenaSeal endovenous closure system
- Microwave endovenous ablation
- Open surgery
- Venous avulsions
- Sclerotherapy
- Cryolaser and cryosclerotherapy
What are the Advantages of Minimally Invasive Treatments?
- No major surgery
- No or minimal visible scars
- Quick recovery
- Same day admission and discharge
- Clinic based treatments
Learn more about “Spider Veins: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment”. Although they might be a cosmetic concern, they can also lead to serious health issues. You might also be interested to find out more on our blog post, “Deep Vein Thrombosis: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment” about the difference between DVT and varicose veins.
Consult a Vascular Specialist
Dr. Manish Taneja, a certified vascular and varicose veins specialist in Singapore, has extensive experience in the treatment of all vascular interventions and looks after venous diseases like leg swelling, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, spider veins, and reticular veins. Come in for a further evaluation and contact us to arrange your vascular appointment today.
Varicose Veins Resources
Explore our varicose veins and spider veins resources for patients. Gain insight into the diagnosis and treatment of varicose and spider veins conditions, their underlying causes, symptoms, and complications. Connect with your vascular health.
Keep Varicose Veins and Spider Veins at Bay
If your legs feel sore persistently, achy when standing long periods, or maybe you notice blue or purple veins even bulging in the area, chances are these symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins could lead to other serious venous diseases such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), or Leg Swelling due to increased pressure forming larger blood clots over time. Varicose veins are fully treatable through varicose veins treatments, vascular surgeries, or minimally invasive procedures and treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation, which offers minimal downtime and quick recovery preventing further complications. Long term effects of untreated varicose veins can hinder your daily life and impact your vascular health. Understanding symptoms and preventing future vein problems starts with early assessment.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, a specialized varicose veins clinic in Singapore, is here to diagnose and treat varicose veins smoothening patients’ experience to find relief and comfort. As a vascular and interventional radiology specialist based in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja looks after a spectrum of venous diseases, peripheral vascular malformations, and peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Manish Taneja also has extensive experience in performing all vascular interventions, non-vascular interventions and interventional oncology procedures.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our varicose veins specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.