Can Men Get Varicose Veins?
Can Men Get Varicose Veins?
Age-related changes in muscle and tissues tone, as well as weakened venous walls, increase the incidence of varicose veins in men. Varicose veins can cause restless legs, which might keep you awake at night. Read on and learn more about varicose veins in men.
Symptoms of varicose veins in men
Men may experience varicose veins especially due to family history and aging. The following are some signs and symptoms of varicose veins in men:
- Twisted, bloated, and lumpy veins are apparent (bulging)
- Legs that hurt because of the blue or dark purple veins
- lipodermatosclerosis – Hardening of the fat under the skin.
- The damaged leg has telangiectasia (spider veins)
- Varicose veins are common among persons with restless legs syndrome.
- At the ankles, atrophie Blanche appears as white, uneven spots that resemble scars.
Causes of varicose veins in men
Varicose veins may happen as a result of valve injury or weakness. To keep the blood flowing, arteries carry blood from the heart to your tissues and veins recirculate blood from the rest of the body back to your heart. Leg veins must work against gravity to return blood to the heart. Blood can flow backward and accumulate in a vein if the valves are broken or weak, causing the veins to extend or curve.
Risk factors in men
The following risk factors may fuel occurrence of varicose veins in men:
- Age
- Family history
- Obesity
- Standing for a long period of time
- Sitting too long over a long period.
Prevention
Varicose veins cannot be prevented entirely. However, increasing your blood flow and toning your muscles may help prevent the development of varicose veins or the spread of existing ones. Varicose veins can be prevented at home using the same methods used to address the discomfort associated with varicose veins. They include:
- Exercising
- Keeping a close eye on your weight
- Eating a low-salt, high-fiber diet
- Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes and wearing tight-fitting underwear
