Men Can Get Varicose Veins, Too

Veins act as blood highways, carrying deoxygenated blood and waste products from tissues back to the heart and lungs. Varicose veins are a result of blood backing up and pooling in your veins, creating a telltale swollen and twisted shape just under the surface of the skin. Most varicose vein clinics advertise to women, but there are plenty of men who are affected, too — about 11 million of them in the U.S. alone. Men at risk for varicose veins: - are typically olderrn- have a family history of varicose veinsrn- are overweight/obesern- have sustained a leg injuryrnIn some cases, the varicose veins can rupture and cause painful ulcers on the legs. Treatment Men with varicose veins are typically more difficult to treat than women because they often do not go see a doctor until the veins are very painful and are beginning to cause skin damage. Waiting so long before seeking treatment can create venous ulcers, which complicates treatment and extends recovery. Phlebectomy In some cases, varicose veins can be removed entirely. This is accomplished by making several tiny incisions in the affected area and thereby removing the vein. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and does not usually require stitches. However it is usually paired with other treatments for maximum efficacy. Ligation Varicose veins are most often treated with some kind of surgery. For the varicose veins that have become significantly enlarged, doctors will use ligation to resolve them. This involves surgically tying the enlarged vein through a small incision in the skin. Ligation may be paired with vein stripping, where the troublesome vein is removed entirely. This procedure requires the patient to be put under general anesthesia. Simple Laser Treatment If your varicose vein is still small, a laser can be used to close the veins without surgery. The laser’s heat damages the vein, creating scar tissue, which then closes the vein. Multiple laser sessions will be required to make the vein(s) close up entirely, usually scheduled 6-12 weeks apart. Endovenous Laser Treatment In this treatment, the doctor inserts a laser fiber into the enlarged vein with a catheter. The laser is used the same as in simple laser treatment, heating the vein until is is damaged enough to seal itself shut. Simple and endovenous laser treatment are typically less painful than vein ligation/stripping, requiring only local anesthesia or light sedation. Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy is a relatively new procedure, injecting a special chemical (sclerosant) into the affected vein to close and seal it. The procedure takes about 5-30 minutes and requires the patient to wear compression stockings for days to weeks afterward as it heals, but otherwise has no recovery period. Repeated sessions may be required. Endoscopic Vein Surgery If a patient’s varicose veins are particularly severe, causing skin ulcers, an endoscopic surgery is done. This is a form of micro-surgery in which the vein is closed with surgical instruments, rather than heat or chemicals. Vein surgery typically requires a few weeks’ recovery period. ***rnIf you’re worried about developing varicose veins, keep them strong with these tips: - Exercise your legs regularly. - Avoid wearing tight pants or high heels. - Avoid standing or sitting for long periods without movement. - Don’t cross your legs. - Prop your legs up when sitting or laying down. - If varicose veins have already developed, don’t wait to have them treated.