Varicose Veins – Frequently Asked Questions

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs, causing discomfort, swelling, or pain. They happen when the valves in your veins don’t work properly, leading to poor circulation.

Spider veins, on the other hand, are smaller, web-like veins that show up as red, blue, or purple lines on the skin. They’re usually not painful but can cause discomfort or more commonly be a cosmetic concern for some.

A few common factors contribute to varicose and spider veins, including:

✔ Genetics – If your family has them, you might too.

✔ Age – The valves and walls of our veins weaken over time.

✔ Hormones – Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control can play a role.

✔ Prolonged standing or sitting – This affects the circulatory return from your legs back to your heart.

✔ Obesity – Extra weight puts more pressure on your veins.

Spider veins are generally harmless. Varicose veins, however, can lead to complications like:
⚠ Leg swelling and discomfort
⚠ Skin changes, including patches of discolouration and pigmentation
⚠ Bleeding from veins close to the surface
⚠ Blood clots (superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis in rare cases)
⚠ Venous ulcers (slow-healing painful wounds near the ankles)

If you have varicose veins and notice persistent pain, swelling, or skin changes, it’s best to get them checked early.

Varicose veins are one of the most common vein issues worldwide. In Singapore, it is estimated that 20% of all adults will get varicose veins at some point in their lives.Their prevalence increases with age, and they are more common in women than in men. In fact, women develop varicose veins about twice as often as men.

You may be at higher risk if you:

🔹 Are over 50 years old

🔹 Are female

🔹 Have a family history of varicose veins

🔹 Have a job that requires prolonged standing or sitting (eg. teachers, nurses, retail workers)

🔹 Are overweight, which increases pressure on your veins

Common symptoms include:
✔ Aching or heaviness in the legs, especially after long periods of standing or at the end of the day. These symptoms usually resolve in the morning, after lying flat overnight.
✔ Itchy or flaky skin around the veins, sometimes with a burning sensation
✔ Swelling around the ankles
✔ Muscle cramps or restless legs, particularly at night

These symptoms can affect daily life, making activities like walking or prolonged standing uncomfortable.

Varicose veins generally tend to worsen over time. If left untreated, they can lead to:

⚠ Increased pain and swelling

⚠ Skin darkening or thickening around the ankles

⚠ Venous ulcers (non-healing wounds)

⚠ Higher risk of blood clots

A thorough history and physical examination is usually enough to diagnose varicose veins. However, for a more detailed assessment, a duplex ultrasound scan is recommended to assess venous reflux (incompetence of valves) and rule out other issues like deep vein thrombosis. 

Modern treatments are quick, effective, and minimally invasive, meaning little to no downtime. Options include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Compression stockings, exercise, and weight management
• Minimally Invasive Procedures:
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat to close off diseased veins
  • ClariVein®: Combines mechanical and chemical treatments
  • VenaSeal™: Utilizes medical adhesive to seal veins
  • Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution to close small varicose and spider veins
  • Mini-Phlebectomy: Removal of bulging varicose veins through mini incisions
• Surgical Options (in severe cases):
  • Vein stripping and ligation: traditional surgical method involves tying off and removing the affected veins through an incision in the groin

Very often, a combination of techniques are utilized to get the best outcome.

If you’re ready to take control of your vascular health, booking an appointment is simple:

📍 Visit: Novena Vascular & Varicose Vein Centre. 38 Irrawaddy Rd, #08-48, Singapore 329563
📞 Call or drop a message on WhatsApp: (+65) 9727-0788
📧 Email: contact@drdarryllim.com
🌐 Website: https://drdarryllim.com