Many Singaporeans experience the discomfort of painful veins in their legs. This condition, often caused by varicose veins, can significantly impact quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available in Singapore can empower you to find relief.
**What are Painful Veins?**
Veins are responsible for carrying blood back to the heart. In healthy veins, one-way valves prevent blood from flowing backward. However, these valves can weaken or become damaged, leading to blood pooling in the veins. This causes them to become enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin – these are varicose veins.
**Symptoms of Painful Veins**
Painful veins can manifest in various ways, including:
* Aching or throbbing sensation in the legs
* Heaviness and fatigue in the legs, especially after prolonged standing or :~:text=Varicose%20veins%20are%20swollen%20and sitting
* Itching or burning around the veins
* Swelling in the ankles and feet
* Spider veins (smaller, web-like red or purple veins)
**Risk Factors for Painful Veins**
Several factors increase the risk of developing painful veins, including:
* **Family history:** Having a family member with varicose veins increases your risk.
* **Pregnancy:** Hormonal changes during pregnancy can weaken vein walls.
* **Being overweight or obese:** Excess weight puts additional strain on your veins.
* **Prolonged standing or sitting:** Occupations requiring prolonged standing or sitting can increase your risk.
* **Age:** As we age, our veins become less elastic, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
**Treatment Options in Singapore**
Fortunately, various treatment options are available in Singapore to address painful veins, depending on the severity of your condition. Here’s a glimpse into some popular approaches:
* **Sclerotherapy:** This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a solution into the varicose veins, causing them to shrink and fade.
* **Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA):** A laser is inserted into the vein to heat and seal it shut, eventually causing it to disappear.
* **Radiofrequency ablation (RFA):** Similar to EVLA, but uses radiofrequency energy to close the vein.
* **Varicose vein stripping and ligation:** This surgical procedure involves removing the affected vein through small incisions.
Painful veins can be a bothersome issue, but they don’t have to control your life. Early diagnosis and seeking treatment from a qualified vascular specialist in Singapore can alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. By understanding the causes and available treatment options, you can take charge of your leg health and step towards a pain-free future.