Submitted by Drs. Bohn, Nielsen, Castillo, and Wright, The Vein Specialists, LLC
Up to 20 percent of all men will experience varicose veins at some point in their lives. The number one cause of varicose veins in both men and women is family history. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins, you are more likely to have them.
Lifestyle factors play a significant role as well. If your job is one that requires you to stand for long periods, you are more likely to get varicose veins. Examples of such occupations include medical professionals, teachers, factory workers, sales and restaurant associates. If you travel and spend long hours flying or driving, or if you sit at a desk for several hours at a time, you are also at risk. Varicose veins can even be the result of previous leg trauma.
Varicose veins can affect men of all ages but the risk increases with age because of the loss of tissue tone and muscle mass, as well as a weakening of the venous walls. If restless legs keep you awake at night, this could be a sign that you have varicose veins. If you don’t enjoy taking a walk or playing with the kids or grandkids like you used to because of leg pain, that could be another sign.
Men generally have the same symptoms as women, which include pain, leg heaviness, tiredness, muscle cramps, and swelling. Men are less likely to seek medical treatment. It is important that you seek consultation if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Like any chronic medical condition, varicose veins will progress without treatment. Because varicose veins are often painful, it is important to seek treatment to maintain an active lifestyle. Treatments such as medical-grade compression stockings and changes in work habits can improve your symptoms, but will not address the underlying cause. Severe varicose veins can lead to serious complications, such as skin breakdown and even blood clots.
The treatments available for men are exactly the same as for women, and just as effective. Men can undergo endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) treatment. This state-of-the-art-laser procedure involves inserting a small laser fiber into the diseased vein. Laser energy is delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. Once that vein is closed, the blood reroutes to other, healthy veins. Some men may need sclerotherapy following EVLA.
Most patients return to work almost immediately following treatment and in a short period of time can resume those activities that you may have been avoiding. Treatment options are minimally invasive, performed in-office, and typically take about 60 minutes. There is little to no downtime after treatment, as you are up and walking immediately after.
Contact the VEIN Specialists today at 309-862-4000 to schedule a consultation with one of their physicians, or request an appointment online at www.ilveins.com. They have convenient locations at 3302 Gerig Drive in Bloomington or 2011 Rock Street, Suite D2 in Peru.