AS multi-taskers, women are often on their feet all day. Due to this, they experience more muscle aches and throbbing pain in their legs.
It is one thing to experience such pain, but disregarding it may lead to a health problem that predominantly affects women: varicose veins.
Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged veins that sit close to the skin and commonly affect the legs.
Although it's sometimes viewed as a "'cosmetic concern", this non-life-threatening medical condition can be quite painful.
National Health Institute consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr Ismazizi Zaharudin says women are more affected as they experience pregnancy, menstrual cycles, hormonal changes and hectic schedules.
"Common among women between 40 and 50, varicose veins affect only the limbs, particularly in the lower body.
"It might not spread to other parts of the body, but if left untreated, it can progress from an early to late stage."
Apart from dilated veins, other symptoms include muscle cramps when the day ends and swelling on the affected leg, he adds.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Dr Ismazizi said there were several treatment options for patients. Non-surgical treatments can temporarily treat varicose veins at an early stage.
As for surgical interventions, previously, surgeons would opt for conventional surgery that involved removing the affected veins completely.
But with the advancement of technology, they now use scarless endovenous procedures consisting of thermal and non-thermal procedures.
"In endovenous procedures, we do not need to remove the affected vein. It is a scarless method and the patient's veins will still be inside the body."
But surgical treatment will require follow-ups by doctors so they can detect changes or problems.
Dr Ismazizi says it's important to remember that this condition cannot be treated by traditional methods or at-home remedies.
PREVENTION
It is important to live a healthy lifestyle to prevent varicose veins.
Smoking is one of the contributing factors for varicose veins and people should exercise regularly, as well as maintain an optimum body mass index, or healthy body weight.
"One can also start wearing compression socks as a preventive measure," says Dr Ismazizi.
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