Have you ever seen cobweb-like bluish and purplish lines running from the calf at the back of the muscles to the ankles and thighs? No, these are not maps and roads imprinted on your skin. These are varicose veins.
Varicose veins are swollen and inflamed blood vessels found at the back of the legs and knees. These veins are usually blue, purple, and green in colour. You may also see varicose veins bulging underneath the skin.
What exactly causes varicose veins?
The blood vessels become swollen and inflamed when there is an increase in blood pressure in the lower limbs, particularly in the veins located in the calf area.
There are many reasons why blood pressure increases in the area. Among them are pregnancy, obesity, and tumours.
The blood vessels become damaged and weakened if there is a constant increase in blood pressure in the area. Weak blood vessels cause the blood to pool in these veins, making them distorted and grow larger-- hence the varicose veins.
Why do people neglect their varicose veins?
Unlike deep vein thrombosis in Singapore, the early stages of varicose veins do not cause discomfort. Because of this, people often belittle varicose veins and oftentimes see them as aesthetic issues and not as health conditions.
Like deep vein thrombosis in Singapore, varicose veins should not be neglected as they may lead to more severe complications.
People with symptomatic varicose veins may suffer from leg pain, swelling, skin rashes, and leg fatigue.
If you think you have varicose veins, visit your vein doctor or a vein clinic in Singapore for prevention and treatment and avoid these four chronic complications.
Possible Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Singapore is a blood clot that starts in a deep vein usually found in the lower leg and thigh. It can also happen in other parts of the body.
People who had surgery and accident and those that are bedridden are at risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Singapore.
DVT is often mistaken as varicose veins as they have similar symptoms that include swollen legs, sharp pain, and redness of the skin. If left untreated, these blood clots can travel near the lungs, blocking the blood flow.
Do varicose veins lead to DVT? People with varicose veins have a higher risk of developing DVT than other normal people, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Lipodermatosclerosis
Lipodermatosclerosis, also known as sclerosing panniculitis, is a venous disease that affects the skin in the legs. People with lipodermatosclerosis often experience hardening and pigmentation of the skin. The affected lower limbs may suffer from swelling and redness. Lipodermatosclerosis gives a "woody" appearance.
Lipodermatoscler may occur when the blood pooling in the veins located in the legs starts to leak fluid and protein underneath the skin, inflaming the subcutaneous fat and nearby tissues.
Lipodermatoscler is often associated with other venous insufficiencies like varicose veins. It is better to consult a vein doctor or vein clinic in Singapore for more information about Lipodermatoscler.
Venous Skin Ulcers
Venous skin ulcers, also known as varicose ulcers, are sores and lesions in the lower limbs. These sores usually appear in the lower legs, ankles, and calf.
Venous skin ulcers form when the blood pooling in the vein backflows and increases the pressure in the area. With weaker vessels and poor blood circulation due to varicose veins, wounds in the lower limbs heal slower than normal. Instead of healing, minor cuts could aggravate sores and lesions.
People with venous skin ulcers may have skin patches that are red and purple in colour. These patches are dry and itchy as well. Compared to normal cuts, wounds that turn into lesions have shallow appearances with irregular edges. Venous skin ulcers may also secrete yellow or bloody pus.
People with varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis in Singapore are more likely to develop venous skin ulcers. Consult a vein clinic in Singapore if you suspect venous skin ulcers.
Ruptured Varicose Veins
The blood pooling in the vessels in the lower limbs increases the pressure in the area. Due to high pressure, the veins become damaged and weak, leading to inflammation and enlargement. These large varicose veins are prone to rupture, resulting in excessive bleeding.
A ruptured varicose vein needs to get immediate medical attention; otherwise, it will lead to blood loss. Blood loss can cause chronic and life-threatening conditions.
What makes ruptured varicose veins more dangerous is that blood loss is often painless. As early as possible, seek immediate medical attention if you suspect ruptured varicose veins. Much better to seek early varicose treatment from a vein doctor to avoid this scenario from happening.
Don't let varicose veins put your life in danger. Early prevention and treatment is the key to a varicose vein-free life.
Cheng SC Veins and Endovascular Clinic provides venous treatment in Singapore. Book an appointment with Cheng SC Veins and Endovascular Clinic today.
