A common misconception in vein disease is that only women suffer from, and seek treatment for, varicose veins. At Veins Without Surgery, approximately 50% of our patients are men, and this number is increasing as awareness spreads. We have found that many of our male patients were reluctant to wear shorts while golfing, working out at the gym, at barbecues, etc., prior to seeking treatment with us.
Your veins are responsible for bringing the blood back to the heart after it delivers nutrient-rich blood to other parts of the body. These veins contain one-way valves that ensure blood flows in the right direction. When the valves no longer function properly, the blood can flow backward, pooling in the veins and causing them to expand.
If you have swollen, dark purple or blue veins present below the skin, you have varicose veins. These are most likely to appear on the insides of your legs, your ankles or your calves, and often appear like twisted cords. As the veins receive more blood backflow, they will weaken further and expand outward until they appear at the skin’s surface. Because the vascular structure is the same for women and men, men can also experience varicose veins. For this reason, it’s important for men to realize the importance of seeking treatment as soon as possible.
Some of the symptoms men commonly experience include:
Varicose veins can occur in anyone, but there are certain professions that make men more susceptible to damaged veins. Men who sit or stand for long periods of time may experience more pooling. Those who are the highest risk may include:
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This is a short, but certainly not a comprehensive list of professions our male patients are employed in. Our doctors are sensitive to and experienced in helping men with varicose veins.
Dealing with Varicose Veins
When you have varicose veins, there are a variety of things you can do to reduce the discomfort you experience. Any activity that improves the blood flow in your legs can help.
The more active you are, the better your vein health will be.
Sitting or standing in one place for too long can cause your blood to pool, increasing your risk of varicose veins. This is why it’s so important to take a break. Take the time to stretch your legs often to improve circulation. If you sit often, take a short walk on a regular basis. If you are more likely to stand in one place due to your job, sit down for a few minutes or walk around frequently.
Elevating your legs can also help you alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins. When you elevate your legs above your heart, your veins won’t have to work so hard to pump the blood back to your heart.
To ensure your varicose veins don’t become worse or develop into more serious complications, it’s important to contact us to schedule a consultation. We offer a variety of treatment options that can get rid of your varicose veins and alleviate your other symptoms.
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