Many men think that varicose veins are a “woman’s problem.” Although varicose veins may be more common among women, this does not mean that men can’t have them too.

These enlarged, swollen, and sometimes twisted veins occur as a result of weakened valves of the vein. When valves weaken, the blood leaks backward and flows in the opposite direction, leading to the pooling of blood in the vein. This can eventually cause vein swelling.

There are several factors that can increase one’s risk of varicose veins. Some of these include: obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged standing, and family history. No particular risk factor has been identified for varicose veins in men, but it is believed that it may be due to genetics.

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Treating Varicose Veins in Men

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern. When left unmanaged, they can lead to swelling, pain, and may even affect one’s physical activity due to the feeling of “heaviness” in the legs that varicose veins can sometimes cause.

Maintaining an active lifestyle and elevating your legs when sitting or lying down may help reduce the symptoms, but they can’t make varicose veins go away. The only way to eliminate them is to see a specialist and have the veins assessed for treatment.

Varicose veins in men may be treated differently depending on the severity of their condition. Common treatment options are:

  • Sclerotherapy
    Sclerotherapy is an in-office, minimally invasive procedure in which abnormal small and large spider veins are injected with a solution that causes them to swell, collapse and fade away over time. During the procedure, the affected vein closes down and is absorbed into your body.
  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy
    During this treatment, veins close to the skin’s surface are removed with a small needle-like hook through pinhole punctures. Local anesthetic is used during this in-office procedure. Typically, little or no down time is required, and ambulatory phlebectomy can be used in conjunction with laser vein treatment.
  • Endovenous Laser Therapy
    Laser energy delivered through a small puncture in the leg is used to treat the diseased vein. Guided by an ultrasound, a tiny optic fiber laser is inserted through a needle into the varicose vein. This heats and closes the vein, allowing blood to re-route to other, healthier veins.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation Endovenous Therapy
    Similar to endovenous laser therapy, the diseased vein is treated with a short bursts of radiofrequency energy, causing the vessel to shrink around the catheter. The physician withdraws the catheter, treating each segment until the entire length of the diseased vein has been sealed. After the vein is sealed shut, blood then re-routes to healthier veins.

The team of experienced, vascular surgeons at Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville diagnose and treat vein disorders every day. If you are suffering from painful varicose veins, request an appointment online or call 865-588-8229 today!

Not sure if you’re a candidate for vein treatment? Take our Self-Assessment.