Battle of the Bugles

Here’s why those bulging veins aren’t just a cosmetic problem – and what you can do treat them.

Often appearing as twisted or swollen blood vessels that bulge from the skin’s surface, varicose veins occur when valves in the veins of the lower legs no longer function properly. This causes blood to flow back downwards, resulting in enlarged veins, says general and vascular surgeon DR JOHN TAN. Contributing factors may include pregnancy, obesity, standing for long periods of time and a family history of varicose veins.

The Big Fixes

Thanks to medical breakthroughs in vascular health, no one these days has to live with the unsightliness of varicose and spider veins. And thank goodness for that – especially in Singapore’s year-round swelter, where leg-baring shorts and skirts are the daily norm.

As important as the aesthetics are, however, vascular surgeons like Dr Tan agree that varicose veins are not merely a cosmetic matter. In fact, they’re a sign of an underlying problem – chronic venous insufficiency – that causes the characteristic bulging and pain.

What’s more, they tend to worsen over time. Left untreated, they can lead to serious complications such as bleeding from a ruptured vein, phlebitis (inflammation), and also a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a life-threatening condition where part of a clot can break free, travel to the lungs and obstruct essential blood flow. That’s why it’s best to get your varicose veins treated, even if they aren’t troubling you now.