Leg Ulcers and Varicose Veins
Finding relief from painful leg ulcers and unsightly varicose veins is possible with the expertise of a skilled vein specialist. Understand and manage your symptoms for improved leg health and overall well-being with Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic.
Introduction to Leg Ulcers and Varicose Veins
Leg ulcers and varicose veins can be painful and unsightly, but a competent vein specialist can make a significant difference when it comes to helping you understand and manage your symptoms. Here are some of the most important things to know about leg ulcers and varicose veins, as well as why Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is one of the best choices for managing these conditions in Singapore.
Leg ulcers and varicose veins are closely linked conditions that impact the appearance and overall health of the veins in your legs and feet. Leg ulcers are sores on your legs or feet that are linked to vein problems and take a significant amount of time to heal, while varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and very visible veins that are generally found in the legs in the legs or feet.
Causes of Leg Ulcers
Leg ulcers are most frequently caused by poor circulation, which is often linked to certain medical conditions or lifestyle choices. Diabetes, peripheral artery disease, Raynaud’s syndrome, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and excessively tight clothing can contribute to poor circulation or the formation of varicose veins. Venous leg ulcers are a specific type of leg ulcer that is typically linked to a minor injury that has not healed properly.
Who is Predisposed to Leg Ulcers?
Individuals that have experienced deep vein thrombosis in the past are generally more likely to develop leg ulcers than those that have not, and individuals over the age of 80 are also more likely to develop this condition than younger adults. Other factors that may increase your likelihood of developing leg ulcers include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Leg, knee, or hip injuries or surgeries, especially if they do not heal properly
- Obesity
- Paralysis
Symptoms of Leg Ulcers
Leg ulcers and varicose veins can both cause pain, itching, and other types of discomfort. Both conditions typically also have visible symptoms, which primarily consist of sores in the case of leg ulcers and large, swollen veins that protrude from the skin in the case of varicose veins. Some leg ulcers may also cause swollen ankles, discolored or hardened skin surrounding the sores, and legs that feel heavier than normal when you move them.
Leg Ulcer Diagnosis
Diagnosing leg ulcers is generally relatively simple. Analyzing your symptoms and visually examining your leg is likely to be enough for your doctor to diagnose leg ulcers under most circumstances. Ultrasonagraphy, ankle-brachial index measurement, and other tests may also be needed in some situations if your doctor cannot make a conclusive diagnosis based on a visual examination and symptoms analysis alone.
Leg Ulcer Treatment
Leg ulcers are typically treated by thoroughly cleaning and dressing them regularly, as well as using compression to improve circulation. The same bandages may be enough to improve minor circulation issues, while wearing compression socks is generally a more effective option for managing more significant blood flow problems. Many leg ulcers heal within approximately six months of consistent treatment, while some may take longer or fully heal at all. There are no medications that can heal leg ulcers themselves at this time, although you may be prescribed pain medications to help manage your symptoms or antibiotics if they become infected. Determining the underlying cause of your leg ulcers is an important step in keeping them from coming back.
Preventing Leg Ulcers
Not all leg ulcers are completely preventable, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of developing them. Some helpful tips for preventing leg ulcers include:
- Wearing compression socks to improve circulation in your legs and feet
- Exercising regularly and decreasing your overall activity level throughout the day
- Eating healthier and taking other steps to lose weight if you are obese
Choose Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for Leg Ulcer and Varicose Vein Treatment in Singapore
At Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, we know that dealing with ongoing leg ulcers or varicose veins can be frustrating, and we are here to help patients across Singapore manage their symptoms to increase their comfort and overall health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to determine the cause of your leg ulcers or varicose veins or to start treatment.
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 for Your Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
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 varicose veins, spider veins, and reticular veins. Come in for a further evaluation and contact us to arrange your varicose veins 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 with minimally invasive procedures and treatments offering minimal downtime and quick recovery preventing further complications. Long term effects of untreated varicose veins can hinder your daily life and impact your health.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional 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.