Guide To Varicose Veins In Singapore [Updated Sep 2025]

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that usually appear in the legs and feet. They occur when the valves in the veins become weak or damaged, causing blood to pool and veins to enlarge. While often considered a cosmetic issue, they can cause discomfort and lead to more serious health problems.

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Varicose Veins Singapore Statistics

Varicose veins are quite common in Singapore, reportedly affecting more than 1 in 3 people in Singapore. Women are more susceptible, with around 35% of women experiencing the condition compared to 20% of men. It is also more prevalent among older adults and those with jobs requiring prolonged standing or walking.

What Are The Causes And Risk Factors Of Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins develop when the valves inside the veins become weakened or damaged. These valves are meant to keep blood flowing upward toward the heart. They normally open to allow blood to move in one direction and close quickly to prevent backflow. When they fail however, blood starts pooling in the veins, leading to increased pressure, vein stretching, and the visible bulging associated with varicose veins.

Several factors contribute to this process:

Genetic Predisposition

• Family history plays a major role. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins, your chances of developing them are significantly higher.
• Inherited weaknesses in vein wall elasticity or valve function can make you more prone to the condition, even if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Ageing And Natural Wear And Tear

• As we grow older, veins lose elasticity and valves naturally become less efficient.
• The weakening of connective tissues means blood doesn’t flow as smoothly, and veins begin to enlarge and twist.
• This explains why varicose veins are most common in people over the age of 40.

Prolonged Standing Or Sitting

• Occupations that involve standing (e.g., teaching, nursing, retail) or sitting for long hours (e.g., office work, driving) put extra stress on leg veins.
• Without regular movement, the calf muscles — which normally act as a pump to push blood upward — don’t contract enough, making it harder for veins to circulate blood efficiently.

Hormonal Changes

• Women are more affected because oestrogen and progesterone can weaken vein walls and valves.
• Life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause increase risk.
• During pregnancy, blood volume rises by nearly 50% to support the baby, adding pressure to the leg veins. This, combined with hormonal changes, often triggers varicose veins.

Obesity And Excess Weight

• Carrying extra body weight increases pressure on the veins in the legs and pelvis.
• Obesity also makes it harder for valves to function properly and often leads to reduced physical activity, worsening circulation.

Injury Or Trauma To The Veins

• Past injuries, surgery, or conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can damage valves.
• When valves are scarred or blocked, blood flow becomes restricted, raising the risk of varicose veins.

Lifestyle And Lack Of Exercise

• A sedentary lifestyle weakens muscles, particularly in the calves.
• Since muscles help veins push blood upward, inactivity means blood tends to stagnate in the lower limbs.

Pregnancy-Specific Causes

• Apart from hormonal changes, the growing uterus puts direct pressure on the veins of the pelvis and legs.
• Pregnant women often notice varicose veins that improve after delivery, though sometimes they persist.

Other Contributing Factors

• High heels and tight clothing: These can restrict circulation and calf muscle function.
• Smoking: Weakens blood vessels and increases inflammation, worsening venous issues.
• Chronic coughing or constipation: Repeated straining raises abdominal pressure, which in turn affects venous return from the legs.

In short, varicose veins don’t have a single cause but usually result from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The condition tends to worsen over time, especially if underlying risks aren’t managed.

Symptoms Of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are characterised by twisted, enlarged veins that often appear on the legs. They result from weakened valves within the veins that impede proper blood flow, causing blood to pool and veins to swell. The symptoms may include:

• Visible Veins: Prominent, dark blue or purple veins that are easily noticeable under the skin.
• Swelling and Heaviness: Legs may feel heavy, especially after standing or sitting for long periods.
• Pain and Discomfort: Aching or throbbing pain in the legs, often accompanied by burning or itching sensations.
• Skin Changes: The skin around varicose veins might become dry, itchy, and discolored. In severe cases, ulcers may develop.
• Muscle Cramps: Frequent leg cramps, particularly at night.

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen over time, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

Screening & Prevention

Routine medical exams can help identify varicose veins early. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional, who will assess the affected area while you are standing to check for swelling and visible veins. Further diagnostic procedures may include:

• Doppler ultrasound is a common non-invasive test that uses sound waves to visualise blood flow and check for any clots or blockages.
• Duplex ultrasound combines Doppler and traditional imaging for a more detailed scan. It maps the vein structure, locates valve dysfunction and detects venous reflux.

Learn More: Varicose Veins Screening

There are actions that can be taken to prevent or lessen the worsening of existing varicose veins:

• Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
• Regular physical activity improves blood circulation.
• Elevating your legs when resting can reduce swelling.
• Wearing compression stockings can help improve blood flow.
• Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on veins.

Varicose Veins Treatments

There are several effective treatment options available in Singapore, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to more traditional surgical methods:

• Lifestyle Changes: Simple lifestyle modifications can help manage varicose veins. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting can all contribute to better vein health.
• Compression Stockings: These apply gentle pressure to the legs, helping to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Compression stockings are often recommended for mild cases and can be used as a preventive measure.
• Venotonic Medications: Certain drugs (e.g. Daflon® tablets) can be taken to improve vein health and relieve symptoms.
• Foam Sclerotherapy: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a foam into the affected veins, causing them to close. Sclerotherapy is commonly used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.
• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): EVLA uses laser energy to heat and close off the affected veins. This procedure is also performed under local anesthesia.
• Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Similar to EVLA, RFA uses radiofrequency energy to heat and seal the veins.
• MechanicO-Chemical Ablation (MOCA) / ClariVein®: This treatment option combines the mechanical action of a small catheter (tube) placed in the varicose vein and the chemical action of a sclerosing agent, to seal off veins.
• VenaSeal: This is a medical-grade adhesive that is used to seal the vein shut. This method does not require heat or multiple injections and allows the patient to quickly return to activity.
• Surgical Options: In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as microphlebectomy, ligation, or vein stripping may be necessary. These procedures involve removing or tying off the affected veins and are typically reserved for larger or more problematic veins.

Health Implications Of Untreated Varicose Veins

While many people seek treatment for varicose veins due to their appearance, ignoring this condition can lead to serious health issues. Potential complications include:

• Swelling: Untreated venous disease manifested as varicose veins often cause generalised swelling of the limb affected. This can create heaviness in the leg, poor skin quality, uneven limb size, increased blood pressure, pain and significant discomfort. Many symptoms will manifest towards the end of the day when pooling and gravity has made it difficult for the body to manage the swelling.
• Decrease in skin quality: Prolonged swelling may lead to significant degradation of the skin. The swollen tissue can restrict oxygen and nutrient flows that are needed for normal healing process. This results in the surrounding skin becoming less likely to heal from minor injuries in the area.
• Skin Ulceration: Persistent swelling and skin deterioration due to varicose veins can result in non-healing ulcers. Wounds that would otherwise heal through blood flow normally, can turn into skin ulcers that are difficult for the body to heal.
• Superficial Thrombophlebitis: This inflammatory process causes blood to clot within the vein and forming a blockage. When this happens to superficial veins near to the skin’s surface, it results in a condition called superficial thrombophlebitis. Symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis usually include pain in the affected area and hardening of the vein. The affected area is also warmth to the touch.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: This happens when a blood clot is created in the deep veins and creates a blockage. DVT is a serious medical condition and always requires medical attention. There is a danger that a part, or all of, the blood clot breaks off and travel to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism, which is life threatening.

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