Wait, What? Men Can Have Varicose Veins, Too?
A staggering number of men will experience some form of vein issues at some point. Studies have shown around 45% of men will be diagnosed with varicose veins, and that number is on the rise. It should be noted that the main cause of varicose veins in both genders is heredity. If your mom and/or grandmother has varicose veins, chances are you will have them. Outside factors also play a role in varicose and spider veins.
Jobs that require standing for long periods are almost a surefire source. This includes people in medical professions, factory work, bartending, and waiting tables. Also more likely to get varicose veins are frequent travelers who spend long hours flying or driving, or if you sitting for long periods of time. Varicose veins can also be the side effect of previous leg injuries. Varicose veins can affect men of all ages. However, the risk increases as we get older because of muscle and tissue loss. This can also contribute to collapsing venous walls in the veins.
Are Restless Legs Keeping You Awake at Night?
One tell-tale symptom of varicose veins is restless legs. Just because you have restless legs doesn’t mean you have varicose veins, though. If taking a walk with your significant other or playing with your kids or grandkids seems more like a chore, you might be suffering from varicose veins. Typically, men experience similar symptoms to women: achiness, heaviness, soreness, tiredness, swelling, and leg cramps. But overall, men are less likely to seek medical treatment, usually until it’s too late. It’s important that you schedule a consultation if any of these symptoms are part of your day-to-day.
Just like cavities, high cholesterol, and other medical conditions, varicose veins will worsen if treatment isn’t sought. Varicose veins tend to be quite painful, so it’s important to get treatment so that you can keep an active lifestyle. Severe varicose veins can lead to complications that include skin issues and sometimes even blood clots.
What Should I Do?
Treatments that are available for men are exactly the same as for females and are equally as effective. Options for treatment are Closurefast, VenaSeal, VenaCure EVLT, and ambulatory phlebectomy. After some of these treatments, some men may still require sclerotherapy.
The good news is that most patients are able to return to work almost immediately following treatment and eventually can resume those activities they have been avoiding for so long.