Vein Care for Men: Addressing Silent Circulation Issues

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted and darkened blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They’re most common in the legs. They’re not a serious health threat for most people, but they can cause discomfort and itch. You can treat them with self-care measures, such as wearing compression stockings and raising your legs when you’re sitting or lying down. You can also have surgery or other procedures to remove them. Most of these treatments at Center For Advanced Vein Care are done as outpatient procedures, so you go home on the same day.

You can get varicose veins because the walls of your veins weaken as you age. This means the valves that keep blood moving in one direction through your veins don’t work as well. Blood backs up or pools in your veins, making them swell and bulge (veins).

Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Pregnancy can also increase your risk. People who spend a lot of time sitting or standing can have a higher risk, too.

Symptoms of varicose veins include swollen, tender or itchy legs. Over time, they can lead to more serious skin and tissue problems, including ulcers (open sores) and nonhealing scars. Varicose veins can also be a sign of a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency.

Most of the time, you can prevent varicose veins from getting worse by wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs when you’re sitting or lying still. You can also walk around, stretch your legs and feet, and avoid tight clothing. If you have a job that requires lots of standing, change position often. This will help blood flow in your legs and veins.

If you have a lot of varicose veins, your healthcare professional might suggest that you take medicine to help prevent blood clots. These medicines are called anticoagulants. You may need to take them for a while after you have a varicose vein treatment — such as sclerotherapy or surgical removal of your varicose veins.

During sclerotherapy, your healthcare professional cleans the area of your leg with soap and water. Then they use a thin needle to put a solution into the blood vessel. The medicine irritates the lining of the vein and causes it to swell shut. Over time, the vein closes and your symptoms may go away. You might feel a minor stinging or cramping as the needle enters your vein.

Varicose vein treatment can also help you lower your risk of getting more blood clots in your legs and other parts of your body. If you have a high risk of blood clots, your healthcare provider might ask you to wear compression stockings and change positions often.

If you have a lot of varicose and spider veins, your healthcare professional might want to use ultrasound to check for a more serious problem. A doctor who specializes in treating vein conditions is called a phlebologist or vascular surgeon. They can look at your bare legs and feet, take a medical history, and do other tests to find the right treatment for you.

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