When it comes to home-related issues, there is nothing more frustrating than plumbing problems. An unnoticed leaking pipe can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home, possibly making it unlivable. This is why plumbing is one of the professions with the highest pay.
Your vascular system, or the veins throughout your body, is like the plumbing inside your house. Your vascular surgeon is like a plumber, except for your veins (and they don’t typically charge double for showing up on Christmas day!). These specialized doctors can help you fix vein issues before they become a slab-leak-like disaster for your body.
Do men get varicose veins? Yes! Here is everything you need to know about male varicose veins, symptoms, and treatment options.
The Basics of Varicose Veins in Men
Men are not typically concerned about the cosmetic appearance of bulging veins, maybe because they are often associated with big muscles. However, bulging veins can be a sign of a health problem and, if left untreated, can have an impact on your life.
Typically, varicose veins are red, blue, or purple bulging twisted veins that often happen on the legs but can occur anywhere on the body. These veins are a sign of weak or damaged blood vessels, preventing proper blood flow back to the heart. Male varicose veins can be a sign of a more serious underlying vein disease that can progress and become more severe if left untreated.
Several factors can be underlying causes of varicose veins in men’s legs, including:
- Genetics
- Being overweight
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Height (the taller you are, the harder your veins have to work)
- Age (veins often develop in people over 60)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- An unhealthy diet
Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins in Men
What are some of the common symptoms of varicose veins in men? Here are things to look out for beyond just bulging veins:
- Heaviness of the legs
- Cramping
- Leg swelling
- Burning or throbbing
- Itching
- Skin discoloration
- Wounds or other skin changes
- Pain after sitting or standing
Why Men Should Not Ignore Varicose Veins
Now that you know that men can get varicose veins, it’s critical not to brush them off as just a cosmetic issue. Just like you wouldn’t ignore the sound of water inside your house, your varicose veins should also be evaluated by a qualified provider before the situation escalates.
If varicose veins are allowed to progress, it could lead to more significant complications. Vein disease can increase your risk of painful blood clots, called deep vein thrombosis, skin ulcers, and chronic pain. They can also limit mobility, making it hard to get around without pain.
Luckily, many non-invasive treatment options are available for men with varicose veins to help treat them before they become a bigger problem.
Treatment Options Available for Varicose Veins in Men
At Empire Vein Specialists, we offer many treatment options for men with varicose veins. Many of these treatments are non-invasive, don’t require surgery, and have a minimal recovery time. They are typically covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary, so you can be confident they will cost less than a slab leak repair.
Some of the treatment options available include:
VenaSeal™ Closure System
We are the #1 provider of FDA-approved VenaSeal™, the latest treatment using medical adhesive to seal affected veins.
ClosureFast™ Closure System
ClosureFast™ delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy into the affected vein using a narrow catheter to close off the vein.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is used for spider or smaller varicose veins with injections of a solution directly into the vein.
Phlebectomy Vein Removal
The phlebectomy procedure removes large veins from the legs in small sections, using tiny incisions.
Compression Therapy
Leg compression therapy uses snug-fitting socks or stockings to apply pressure on the legs to improve blood flow.
If you are unsure which treatment is best for you, schedule a free 15-minute evaluation with our team.
Varithena™
Varithena™ treats varicose veins by injecting foam into the vein, causing it to close and be absorbed by the body.
Preparing for Your Consultation: What Men Should Know
If you have male varicose veins, our team of board-certified vascular surgeons (i.e.vein plumbers) is here to help prevent further complications. When you schedule your free evaluation, we start with a screening ultrasound to evaluate the condition of your veins. We use this screening to develop the best treatment plan for you. We accept most insurance plans and work with you to get your treatment covered.
If you have varicose veins, there’s no reason to wait for them to get worse. Schedule your 15-minute consultation with our team or call 1-800-827-4267 to learn more about our practice. Empire Vein Specialists can help you take proactive steps to improve your vein health.