Varicose Veins Common in Men

Editor's note: This article was submitted by Dr. Michael Leary.

I have been treating men with venous disease since 2000. Many times during a consultation men are surprised to learn that they can suffer from vein conditions that they thought only affected women.

Varicose Veins in men are very common. While cosmetic conditions such as spider veins happen mainly in women, varicose veins can occur just as often in men and they are more prone to leg ulcers and other skin complications. Most people are aware of why women are at risk for varicose veins, but men seem to be forgotten.

As with women, one of the main factors leading to varicose veins in men is heredity. But age, obesity and occupations that require standing for long periods of time can contribute to the condition.  

Men are notorious for not taking health issues seriously, even though varicose veins can cause just as many problems as in women. Men also wear trousers and tend to have hairy legs which can cover up varicose veins to some extent. They tend to wait to seek treatment until the veins are swollen and throbbing and the symptoms can no longer be ignored.

But holding off on getting medical treatment can make the problem worse.  Men need to be informed regarding the health of their legs and know that the treatments available are just as successful for men. The key is to get evaluated as soon as they think there’s a problem. 

Symptoms of venous disease include: 

• Leg fatigue or heaviness
• Swelling
• Aching, burning sensation
• Pain after long periods of standing or sitting
• Skin changes
• Spider Veins
• Varicose Veins
• Ulcers

Today's varicose vein treatments are minimally invasive, with very little pain, have no downtime and can be done right in the doctor’s office. Treatment can stop the progression of venous disease and its complications for men in the early stages, and for those struggling with late-stage symptoms; it can restore health and quality of life.

Dr. Michael Leary’s is a board certified in Phlebology and has been recognized as a leading Orange County vein specialist for his skill in performing endovenous laser procedures and acting as a national physician trainer for the company that introduced the procedure.

For more information visit California Vein Specialists at  ezveinsoc.com.