Men Need to Know About Vein Disease
Also called varicoses or varicosities, varicose veins are veins that are enlarged and twisted. Varicosities are more common in women and are not generally thought of as a man’s health issue. The fact is nearly half of the male population will develop varicose veins. Men need to be better educated about varicose veins.
Why Men Ignore Varicoses
Trousers cover varicose veins so dry or discolored skin that is indicative of varicosities may go undetected. Even when symptoms like pain and leg heaviness are present men will likely ignore those symptoms. After acknowledging their varicose vein symptoms a man will likely be slow to seek medical attention.
Risk Factors For Varicose Veins
The loss of muscle mass that comes with aging is one cause of varicoses.
Genetics
Leg injuries
Prolonged sitting or standing at work
Men who are overweight are at an increased risk to develop varicose veins.
Symptoms of Varicosities
Varicosities presents as blue raised areas on the legs and feet. To describe varicose veins another way when it comes to Vein Disease in Men varicose veins men Vein Center Miami states, “Healthy legs don’t look like a road map.” Varicose vein symptoms include heavy legs, itching, pain, and skin sensitivity. Involuntary movement of the legs is also symptomatic of varicose veins.
Varicoses Should Not Be Ignored
Fluid from a varicose vein can leak into the surrounding tissue and cause swelling. Swelling can, in turn, cause skin ulcers and impede healing in the leg. An infection known as cellulitis is a possible consequence of varicoses related swelling.
Varicose Veins And Excessive Bleeding
The enlargement and twisting of varicose veins restrict blood flow resulting in a build-up of blood in the vein. That build-up increases the likelihood of excessive bleeding that will be difficult to control if the vein is injured. The risk of bleeding is another reason why men should not ignore varicoses.
Thrombophlebitis
A serious consequence of ignoring varicose vein symptoms is Thrombophlebitis. The former is a blood clot that develops in a varicose vein. Symptoms of thrombophlebitis are a hardening of the affected vein. The area around the affected vein may become painful and warm to the touch.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot deep in the vein. Left untreated the clot can move into the heart or lungs. A Deep Vein Thrombosis can be fatal. The symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis are the same as for thrombophlebitis with the addition of redness and swelling around the affected vein.
Treating Varicosities
Medical grade compression stockings that apply pressure to the veins are usually prescribed to treat varicoses. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) utilizes a laser to collapse the varicose vein(s). After EVLT the body directs the flow of blood to healthy veins. Changes in work habits like less sitting or standing and the cessation of smoking can ease varicosities symptoms.
Contact us at Fox Vein & Laser Experts
Fox Vein & Laser Experts is an excellent place for treatment of varicose veins. Contact us at 954.627.1045 today.