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BusinessToday
3 days ago
- Health
- BusinessToday
What Your Legs Are Trying to Tell You About Your Health
Leg pain and swelling often get dismissed as natural signs of ageing, but health specialists caution that they could indicate a more serious underlying issue. As Malaysia approaches aged-nation status by 2030, there is increasing concern about chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a common yet frequently overlooked condition that affects the veins in the legs. According to Dr Syaiful Azzam bin Sopandi, Consultant General & Vascular Surgeon at Ara Damansara Medical Centre, when leg veins stop functioning properly, blood begins to pool in the lower limbs, placing pressure on the vessel walls and surrounding tissue. These symptoms can eventually lead to skin changes, ulcers, and infections if untreated. Understanding how CVI develops and learning to recognise its early warning signs is essential, especially as more older Malaysians face symptoms that are too often mistaken for ordinary ageing. More Than Just Tired Legs CVI develops when the valves in the leg veins are weakened or damaged. These valves ensure blood moves upward to the heart. When they fail, blood pools in the lower limbs, increasing pressure and damaging surrounding tissue. Over time, this leads to swelling, skin changes, and even ulcers. Venous hypertension, or increased pressure in the veins, can cause fluid and blood cells to leak into surrounding tissues, often resulting in a brownish skin discolouration—a visible sign of ongoing inflammation. CVI often goes undiagnosed. Globally, chronic venous disease affects 20 to 40% of adults, and the numbers rise with age. In Malaysia, a 2021 Vein Consult Programme found that over 30% of people aged 50 and above show signs of the disease. Among those over 60, the figure may be as high as 50%. Risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyles, prolonged standing, or a history of blood clots. Know the Signs, Take Early Action Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) often develops gradually with overlooked symptoms. Early warning signs include leg pain that worsens with standing or walking, swelling around the ankles, and the appearance of varicose veins. As the condition progresses, the skin on the lower legs may darken, tighten, or become itchy. In more advanced stages, slow-healing ulcers—typically near the inner ankle—may form. 'These signs shouldn't be ignored, especially if you're over 50,' says Dr Syaiful Azzam bin Sopandi, Consultant General & Vascular Surgeon at Ara Damansara Medical Centre. 'Early diagnosis makes a big difference.' One reason these symptoms are so common in older adults is the natural decline in venous function that comes with age. Over time, vein walls lose elasticity, valves begin to leak, and calf muscles—key to pumping blood back to the heart—grow weaker due to reduced physical activity. This combination slows circulation and increases the likelihood of venous disease. 'Movement keeps blood flowing,' Dr Syaiful explains. 'When older adults become less active, it puts them at greater risk of developing vein-related complications.' Recognising the signs early and understanding why circulation slows with age are crucial steps toward preventing more serious outcomes. Modern Treatments and Common Myths Thankfully, diagnosis and treatment today are far less invasive than people assume. A quick and painless ultrasound can confirm if the veins are malfunctioning. If CVI is diagnosed, there are several treatment options. The most common is endovenous ablation therapy. This therapy involves using heat, glue, or medication to close faulty veins. 'Patients are often surprised how quick and straightforward it is,' says Dr Syaiful. 'Most walk in and out on the same day.' Misconceptions about vein health persist. Many believe varicose veins are purely cosmetic or that older adults are too frail for treatment. Dr Syaiful clarifies that age is not a barrier, and treatments are tailored to individual needs. Removing or sealing a diseased vein does not harm circulation, as other veins compensate. While compression stockings can help manage symptoms, they do not address the root cause, and without proper treatment, CVI tends to worsen. Home Care and Early Treatments While medical intervention is key for advanced cases, lifestyle changes can help manage or delay symptoms. Regular walking, leg elevation, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing compression stockings in the morning are all helpful. Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, quitting smoking, and moisturising the skin—especially around the ankles—also supports vein health. If left untreated, CVI can cause lasting damage, including ulcers, infections, and even amputation in severe cases. It may also lead to cellulitis—a painful skin infection that may require hospital care. 'It's like ignoring a leaking roof,' says Dr Syaiful. 'It may seem minor, but it can turn serious.' With Malaysia's elderly population growing rapidly, awareness around vein health must improve. Leg pain is not always a sign of ageing; it can be something more. Early intervention can lead to better mobility, less pain, and a higher quality of life. 'Healthy ageing is not just about living longer,' Dr Syaiful concludes. 'It's about staying active, independent, and pain-free.' Related
AsiaOne
18-06-2025
- AsiaOne
Malaysia's Klang river clean-up: More than 10 bodies, including infant, discovered since 2022, Malaysia News
Over 10 bodies, including that of an infant, have been discovered in the Klang river in Malaysia during cleanup works since 2022. This work is part of the Selangor government's ongoing Klang River Flood Mitigation Project. Syaiful Azmen Nordin, managing director of Landasan Lumayan, the project's master developer, told The Star that they have been discovering these corpses in the river since they started work in November 2022. He added that the bodies were handed over to the police and fire department for further investigation. Items such as refrigerators, lorry tyres, motorcycles as well as furniture such as beds and sofas were also found in the river, The Star reported. "We could assume they were washed away during the floods, but the numbers are too many," Syaiful said. Describing the current level of pollution as severe and a challenge to the dredging efforts, he told Malay Mail: "I honestly don't understand how a fridge ends up in the river." "There needs to be more civic consciousness and awareness among the public about taking care of our rivers," he added. About 94,000 tonnes of waste has been removed from Klang river to date, with an estimated handling cost of RM20 million (S$6.04 million), reported the New Straits Times. The flood mitigation project under the Selangor Maritime Gateway aims to increase the river capacity by up to 40 per cent, as well as rehabilitating the ecosystem and improving water quality. It has successfully increased the Klang River's water capacity by 18 per cent. [[nid:719206]]
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sg Klang rehabilitation project showing results
The cutter suction dredger cleaning the riverbed in Sungai Klang. More than 900,000 cubic metres of materials have been cleared away so far. —LOW BOON TAT/ The Star SINCE November 2022, approximately 918,937 cubic metres of materials have been dredged from the Sungai Klang riverbed as part of Selangor's flood mitigation project. These efforts have significantly improved water quality and increased the river's capacity, said the company spearheading the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) project. Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd managing director Syaiful Azmen Nordin said the dredged materials comprised general waste, sedimentation and rocks. Landasan Lumayan is a subsidiary of Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated. The Maritime Gateway project, spanning 56km, aims to revitalise Sungai Klang and its surroundings. It is a state government initiative to overcome floods in Selangor. Speaking at a press conference at the project site in Kota Kemuning, Syaiful said SMG involved deepening and widening the river, alongside reinforcing the embankment and riverbank. These actions are expected to enhance water flow, preserve the river's ecosystem and improve water quality. Syaiful says Sungai Klang water quality is now at Class 3. 'The main objective is to increase the river's capacity to manage more water during heavy rain,' he said. He noted that clearing efforts had increased the river's capacity by 18%. The target is 40%. According to Landasan Lumayan, the project is divided into four blocks, with current focus on Block 3 – a 21km stretch in high-risk areas of Shah Alam, including Alam Impian (Zone 6), Section 24 (Zone 7) and Kota Kemuning (Zone 8). Work on Block 1, covering a 10km stretch in Klang (Zones 1 and 2), had been completed. Work on blocks 2 and 4 have yet to commence. Syaiful said the river would be widened from 50m or 60m to 80m or 100m, depending on location needs for smooth water flow. Dredging has been extended to depths of up to three metres, compared to previous depths of one to two metres. 'With increased capacity and reinforced riverbanks, rainwater can flow efficiently, reducing the risk of overflow or flash floods in Shah Alam and surrounding areas,' he added. Syaiful said the project was showing results as Sungai Klang's water quality had improved. 'At the beginning of the project, the water was classified as Class 5 (indicates heavily polluted water). 'Now, based on our sensors along the river, we are recording Class 3 water quality at about 69% of the time, which is a great improvement. 'There are 25 industrial areas, 13 tributaries and 10 million people having direct access to the river. 'We have to be realistic in our expectations, so our target is to make sure that the water quality is at least Class 3, which is suitable for general use,' he said. Syaiful said some of the challenges faced at the site included high amounts of waste besides deep mud, which complicated dredging works. However, he said the work was on schedule and was expected to be completed by 2026.
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Flood mitigation uncovers over 10 bodies, including infant, in Klang River
KUALA LUMPUR: At least 10 bodies, including that of an infant, have been discovered during ongoing flood mitigation works along the Klang River under the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) initiative. Sinar Harian reported that Syaiful Azmen Nordin, managing director of Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB), stated the discoveries were not isolated incidents, with remains being found almost monthly since river deepening and widening works commenced on Nov 1, 2022. "To date, we have handed over more than 10 bodies to the police and fire department for further investigation. "There was even a time when three bodies were found on consecutive days," he was quoted as saying after visiting the SMG Zone 8 flood mitigation site in Kota Kemuning today. Syaiful said that among the most unexpected findings to date was the body of a baby, which took an emotional toll on them. Apart from human remains, the project team continues to contend with severe river pollution, frequently encountering large waste items such as refrigerators, lorry tyres, beds, mattresses, sofas, and even motorcycles submerged in the riverbed. The flood mitigation works are part of a comprehensive plan to enhance the capacity of Klang River, while simultaneously restoring its ecosystem and improving water quality.
