4 Tips for Men Suffering from Varicose Veins

Just like women, men are susceptible to varicose veins — luckily, it’s a relatively easy condition to manage and treat.

If you think that varicose veins only affect women, you might be surprised to learn that men are just as likely to suffer from them. In fact, nearly 50% of all patients will experience a chronic venous insufficiency, regardless of their sex. Fortunately, varicose veins are easily treated in men and women alike.

As with any venous condition, the first step toward treatment is a better knowledge of the problem. If you’re one of the millions of American men who suffer from varicose veins, here are four facts you should know.

1. You’re Not Alone

20 to 30 million Americans currently have varicose veins, and as many as 45% of men and 55% of women will suffer from them at some point in their lives. You may carry the gene, but with the help of medical professionals, anyone can fix their varicose veins quickly and efficiently.

2. Varicose Veins are More Than Just a Cosmetic Problem

While they may seem like nothing more than a harmless cosmetic issue, varicose veins can be highly dangerous. These dilated, twisted blood vessels swell when faulty valves restrict blood flow from the legs to the heart, causing discomfort, swelling, and even ulceration in more severe cases.

29-year-old Andreas Garcia was certain that elderly people were the sole victims of varicose veins until his leg started to swell. “My leg just started getting bigger and bigger, and then pain,” Garcia told KSAT12 News. His veins soon became so aggravated that ulcers grew on each of his legs.

3. Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Help

Elevating yours legs while resting and avoiding extended standing or sitting can alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, while frequent walks, healthy meals, and proper hydration will stimulate blood flow and decrease inflammation.

4. You Have Treatment Options

Remember that varicose veins cannot completely heal without professional treatment, so talk to a vein specialist about the best option for your condition. Minimally invasive procedures like laser and radiofrequency ablation use catheters to close the affected vein, beginning the healing process. Vein ablation success rates range from 93 to 95%. Another option is a minor surgery called Ambulatory Phlebectomy, during which a specialist extracts the bulging vein through small incisions. This allows the body to replenish the blood supply and reroute it through healthier veins.

If you’re struggling with varicose veins, you can find relief today. Call a vein specialist today to schedule an appointment and discuss possible treatments.