They could lead to serious medical complications
- Eveline Gan
A 50-year-old man had gone to see a vascular surgeon 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 vascular surgeon 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 is not true. 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 suffers from this condition in varying degrees. 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.
People at risk include those who have multiple pregnancies or whose work requires them to stand for long period of time. Genes also play a major role. Forty to fifty 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. Severe varicose veins, which are also "high pressure veins", may sometimes rupture and bleed. In addition, those with varicose veins are at an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis.
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.
Traditionally, affected veins are treated using an invasive, surgical method called vein stripping,which is performed under general or regional anethesia, and hospitalization is often required.
Some people neglect their vein problem because they think it is a cosmetic concern, and wonder why they should go through the hassle of an operation. 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 can then shrink and disappear over time.
Injection sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the vein, and usually requires multiple injections.
In EVLT, a fiber optic wire is inserted into the vein, which is heated with laser energy. The vein then shrinks and disappears over time.
Many people wonder if it is bad to close up a vein. But then again a leaking vein is a liability. Paradoxically, sealing off the vein improves circulation.
Varicose Veins Not Just Cosmetic
