If you thought varicose veins were just a ‘woman’s problem’ then think again. Men can get them too! Research shows that around 23 million US adults have varicose veins which equates to 22 million women and 11 million men between the ages of 40 to 80 years of age. Here, we discuss all you need to know about varicose veins in men. So let’s get started.
Varicose veins are superficial veins that can no longer effectively transport blood from the leg back to the heart, causing blood to flow backward toward the feet. Known as venous insufficiency or venous reflux, this condition arises from malfunctioning valves within the veins. Once a vein becomes varicose, it won't return to normal and should be treated, regardless of whether symptoms are present.
Although varicose veins are not life-threatening, they are likely to worsen if left untreated, leading to symptoms such as pain, fatigue, heaviness, cramping, and swelling of the legs and ankles.
More seriously, untreated varicose veins can result in advanced medical complications, including
Veins can only perform their job properly when they’re healthy. This is why you should have them checked out by a vein doctor.
Fortunately, there are minimally invasive treatments available for varicose veins that can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms, helping you to look and feel better again.
So now you know the problems of varicose veins extend way beyond cosmetic issues, let’s talk about risk factors and how you could be affected.
If you sit or stand at work or home for prolonged periods, you could be at risk of developing varicose veins. Other factors that put you at risk of venous disease include:
Not all men experience symptoms but those that do may have veins that ache, burn, or itch. Additional symptoms can include:
If the symptoms of varicose veins are affecting your daily life or their appearance is a concern, your doctor may recommend seeing a vein and vascular specialist.
At MINT STL, the first step involves a consultation with one of our Board-Certified vascular and interventional radiologists. During this appointment, you will undergo an initial ultrasound for vein mapping, receive a diagnosis, and get a customized treatment plan.
Based on your customized treatment plan, your varicose vein care might begin with wearing compression stockings. These stockings provide gentle pressure to your legs, supporting your veins and preventing blood from pooling. Even if your doctor recommends a different therapy, compression stockings may still be included in your treatment regimen. Moreover, most insurance companies require patients to try compression stockings before they will cover other treatment options.
For varicose vein treatment, we provide various non-invasive procedures that are performed on an outpatient basis allowing most patients to return home the same day. These include:
Vein ablation
Vein ablation, also known as endovenous ablation, uses targeted heat from a laser or radiofrequency to seal large painful veins. A small catheter, guided by ultrasound, delivers the energy to close the vein. MINT offers twilight sedation for patient comfort, a feature not commonly available at other centers. The quick, 20-minute procedure allows patients to leave the office within an hour and return to normal activities the next day.
VenaSeal
VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive to close saphenous veins, eliminating varicose veins without risk of nerve injury. This 20-30-minute procedure requires no sedation, provides immediate cosmetic results, and allows patients to resume normal activities the following day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant liquid to destroy small to medium-damaged veins, which the body then absorbs, rerouting blood through healthier veins. It also treats spider veins. MINT offers free cosmetic spider vein screenings for patients post-treatment, with competitive pricing and detailed treatment plans provided during the free screening.
Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy removes entire varicose veins through tiny skin incisions.
Knowing the risk factors for varicose veins, it’s easy to understand the importance of being proactive with vein care, particularly if varicose veins run in your family.
If varicose veins are in your genes, then you can’t do anything to change that. However, you can make a few lifestyle changes to combat some of the associated causes of varicose veins, including being inactive and/or overweight.
Regular exercise
Exercising is a great place to start and can help prevent varicose veins. Not only does regular exercise help you lose a few pounds which means there is less stress on your veins which lowers the risk of vein disease but it also improves your overall health and well-being.
There’s no need to overdo things, especially if you’re new to exercising. Sitting or standing for a prolonged time is one of the main causes of varicose veins, so any movement will benefit your body. A brisk walk once a day or even stepping away from your desk every once in a while will make a difference.
Eating healthily
Eating healthily helps you lose unwanted pounds, makes you feel more empowered when exercising, and even improves your mood. You might find this post relating to diet and vein health helpful.
At our MINT STL offices, our vascular and interventional radiology specialists are highly trained in minimally invasive, image-guided vein procedures that can improve how you feel and look. We treat varicose veins to help you maintain your health and get back on track with the activities you love doing.
Why not request an appointment with the vein experts at MINT STL? Call us or use our online booking service.
