Information for Men with Varicose Veins
Many of the 80 million Americans who suffer from venous insufficiency are men. Men who are diagnosed with venous insufficiency usually present with bulging veins and complain of a variety of symptoms. Symptoms include leg pain, itching, leg fatigue, swelling and heaviness. It is noted that men with varicose veins most commonly complain of itching and cramping in their legs.
Most people are aware why women are at risk for varicose veins, but men seem to be forgotten. Some of the major factors leading to varicose veins in men are heredity, age, occupations that require standing for long periods of time and trauma to the leg(s). 43% of men ages 45-64 have symptomatic varicosities. The risk for varicose veins increases with age because there is a loss of tissue tone, a loss of muscle mass, and weakening of the venous walls.
Men with varicose veins are not treated as often as women because women are much more likely to complain of aches and pains in their legs. Bulging varicose veins can be unsightly as well as painful. Men need to be educated regarding the health of their legs and that the treatments available are just as effective for men.
Men can also develop spider veins. Once spider veins develop, there is no way for the body to cure them. Men that have spider veins often do not consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on their leg. However, if a man is having symptoms or would like treatment on spider veins sclerotherapy is an effective treatment.
