As a varicose veins specialist, I understand that being diagnosed with varicose veins can raise many questions and concerns about your condition. To help you better understand your situation, specifically the potential risks and complications, here are some of the most common questions in Singapore. My goal is to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health and treatment options.
Introduction to Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern; they can lead to a range of complications if left untreated. These enlarged, twisted veins typically occur in the legs due to increased pressure in the veins, often caused by standing or walking upright. While many people consider varicose veins a superficial issue, they can lead to serious health problems, such as chronic pain, swelling, skin changes, and even ulcers. Moreover, in some cases, varicose veins may increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can have life-threatening consequences. If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, it's natural to have questions and concerns about your condition. To help you better understand your situation and the potential risks, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive from new patients.
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1. What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins, also called varicosities, are swollen veins just under the skin. They're visible as twisting blue lines, typically on the legs. They are caused by weak or damaged vein walls or valves.
2. What causes varicose veins to bleed?
Varicose veins may bleed because the pressure of blood causes ruptures in the vein, or because of localized trauma. One cause is not being careful when shaving your legs. This is why the bathroom is one of the common places where this can occur.
3. What causes varicose veins to itch?
Varicose veins have a tendency to itch. The swollen veins leak into the skin, causing something called venous stasis dermatitis. This is an inflammation of the skin which causes itchiness and may cause an eczema-like rash. Eczema is a type of dermatitis that leaves skin with itchy and inflamed red blotches that turn dry and flaky.
4. What causes varicose veins to swell?
The weakness in the veins causes an excessive amount of blood to pool in them. This blood pushes the vein wall outwards, causing swelling. This can be merely unsightly, or it can cause actual problems, including reduced circulation to the feet and ankles.
5. Can varicose veins cause ulcers?
Yes. Ulcers can form around the ankles as a result of blood pooling in the lower leg when you stand and walk. This can produce open skin sores that don't heal without treatment and can easily become infected. Ulcers require immediate medical attention.
6. Can varicose veins change your skin?
Yes. Venous stasis dermatitis can cause reddening and flaking of the skin and a rash that resembles eczema. This typically requires medical treatment in the form of medicated creams or antihistamines. However, treating the problem requires treating your varicose veins. Also you might notice some discoloration in the area. Skin tones can influence the color of veins which are usually in the blue, green, or purple spectrum.
7. Can varicose veins cause chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
Yes. Not treating varicose veins can result in chronic venous insufficiency, which requires significant medical intervention. Alternatively, damage to the veins can lead to both conditions. If you have pain or pins and needles, then this is a sign that you may be developing chronic venous insuffiiciency and should talk to a doctor.
8. Can varicose veins cause blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Varicose veins can cause superficial thrombosis, which is clots in the surface veins. This can cause swelling, redness, pain, and tenderness. Blood clots are clusters of blood that are no longer liquid, but they’re gel-like or semi-solid. The blood clots as part of the healing process whenever an injury occurs. In some cases, blood clots can form inside veins, and once this happens, the clots are unable to dissolve on their own. Read more about blood clots in our other informative article.
Varicose veins is a risk factor of deep vein thrombosis. There are lifestyle changes recommended to reduce varicose vein symptoms, which will will also reduce your risk of a DVT. DVT involves a blood clot in a deep vein that typically forms in a leg, while a pulmonary embolism occurs when that clot travels to the lung.
9. Can varicose veins cause stroke?
Varicose veins are not typically considered a risk factor for stroke. However, severe varicose veins can potentially lead to blood clots in deeper veins, which can then travel to your brain and cause a stroke. Most people with varicose veins, however, do not have an above average risk for stroke.
10. Can varicose veins cause pins and needles in the leg?
Yes. In some cases, varicose veins may swell and press on a nerve, causing pins and needles or even numbness in the legs. If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor, as they can be an early sign of chronic venous insufficiency.
Receive World-Class Varicose Veins Treatment in Singapore
If you have varicose veins in Singapore, Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic can help with noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments and lifestyle recommendations to improve symptoms. Don't let varicose veins hold you back any longer as ignoring any potential health concerns, such as your varicose veins, can lead to serious long-term consequences. Contact us to schedule an appointment today with our compassionate varicose veins specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja.
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 pain management. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our varicose veins specialist in Singapore, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.