LEG WATCH
They could lead to serious medical complications. Your love for skyscraper heels and leg-crossing may increase your risk of getting varicose veins.
Eveline Gan, eveline@mediacorp.com.sg
The 50-year-old man had gone to see Dr Imran Nawaz about a chronic ulcer in half of his leg. He had lived with the condition for about a decade.Instead of treating the ulcer first, the consultant vascular surgeon at the Singapore Vein Centre (SVC) turned his attention to the unsightly varicose veins above it. The man's ulcer healed in three months.
"Many people think varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem but it's not true," said Dr Nawaz, who is also the director of SVC.
Hard-to-heal ulcers, which the 50-year-old patient suffered from, are just one of the painful complications caused by severe varicose veins.
About one in five adults in Singapore suffers from this condition in varying degrees, added Dr Nawaz.
Varicose veins — which often appear as blue or dark purple linear bulges on the legs or lower body — occur when faulty valves in the veins impair blood circulation.
"When blood is unable to flow back to the heart properly, it pools in the veins, causing them to swell and bulge," said Dr Nawaz.
People at risk include those who have had multiple pregnancies or whose work requires them to stand for long periods of time. Genes also play a major role.
According to Dr John Tan, a consultant vascular surgeon at Paragon's The Vein Clinic, about 40 to 50 per cent of people with varicose veins may experience symptoms such as swollen ankles or cramps and aches after long periods on their feet.
While most people can live with minor vein problems with no mishaps, a minority — one to three per cent — may experience more serious medical complications over time, said Dr Tan.
Severe varicose veins, which are also "high pressure veins", may sometimes rupture and bleed, he added.
In addition, those with varicose veins are at an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis, the blood vessel specialists said.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood circulation in the leg's deeper veins is blocked, causing blood clots.
The clots restrict blood circulation and are potentially fatal if they move towards the heart or lungs, said Dr Nawaz.
IT CAN BE FIXED
Traditionally, affected veins are treated using an invasive, surgical method called vein stripping, said the specialists. The treatment is performed under general or regional anaesthesia, and hospitalisation is often required.
"Some people neglect their vein problem because they think it's purely a cosmetic concern, and wonder why they should through the hassle of an operation," said Dr Nawaz.
But treatment for varicose veins has evolved.
A newer, less invasive alternative includes Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT).
Patients can also opt for injection sclerotherapy. Unlike the traditional method where the vein is removed surgically, these treatments "seal off" the veins, which then shrink and disappear over time, said Dr Tan.
Injection sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the vein, and usually requires multiple injections.
In EVLT, a fibre optic wire is inserted into the vein, which is heated up with laser energy. The vein then shrinks and disappears over time.
"Many people wonder if it's bad to close up a vein. But bear in mind that a leaking vein is a liability. Paradoxically, sealing off the vein improves circulation instead," said Dr Tan.
Consultant vascular surgeon Dr John Tan of The Vein Clinic gives tips on how you can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins.
- Wearing graduated compression stockings may help, especially for those at risk of the condition.
- If you need to stand or sit for long periods of time, make sure you get up and walk around every half hour to work out your calf muscles.
- If you must stand for long hours, tip-toe around to help improve circulation.
- Tight clothing, especially those that constrict the thighs, is bad for circulation. So are high heels.
- But if you can't bear to give up your heels, wear them only for special occasions instead of all the time.
- Try not to cross your legs too much when sitting.
- A lifestyle involving regular exercise and a balanced diet will help.
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Here are alternatives: in liquid form or in caplets, your choice
Some people choose to have these procedures to improve the way their veins look or to relieve pain.
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