Men and women both may develop varicose veins, but they are more common in women. Why, you might ask? Women have the added impact of hormones and pregnancy, which result in increased stress and pressure on the veins increasing the likelihood of developing vein disease. But that does not mean that men are exempt from this condition!
There are three main risk factors contributing to varicose veins:
- Heredity
- Occupations requiring prolonged periods of standing
- Obesity
With these risk factors in mind, to reduce your chances of developing varicose veins try to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and consume a healthy diet high in fiber and low in salt. If this condition is a part of your family history, know the signs and symptoms to look for and discuss any presenting symptoms with your physician.
Women tend to seek treatment for varicose veins earlier than men as the cosmetic concern may cause a negative impact on their quality of life. While women may be more reluctant to bare their legs in a pair of shorts or swimsuit if there are visible signs of varicose veins, men sometimes tend to ignore minimal discomfort and cosmetic concerns. Typical symptoms of varicose veins are the same in both men and women and can include:
- Fatigue or a sensation of heaviness in the leg
- Cramping
- Itching
- Restless legs
- Ankle or leg swelling
- Skin discoloration
Men are typically notorious for avoiding or delaying medical care, but when it comes to varicose veins it is much easier to treat the condition early before it gets out of hand – so request an appointment with Premier Vein clinics today!
Guys don’t be shy! Definitely follow the ladies’ lead when it comes to varicose veins and get them treated early! Today’s treatments are minimally invasive and require little to no down time. While the cosmetic concern may not be enough to motivate a male to seek treatment, varicose veins get worse over time and the longer treatment is delayed the more complicated it will eventually be. In addition, there are complications that can develop from venous disease and the more severe the condition is allowed to get, the higher your chances of developing a complication.
Give the male in your life an extra nudge to get those varicose veins treated. While they may initially resist, they will thank you in the end. To schedule an appointment with one of the experienced vascular surgeons at Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville call (865) 588-8229.