Varicose veins aren't only a women's issue
How likely are men to get varicose veins?
Varicose veins are twisted, bulging, dark blue veins generally occurring in the legs, and you may get varicose veins in the feet. While they are more likely to occur in women, it’s estimated that 20-30% of men will develop the condition at some point in their lives.
Genetics
Varicose veins are largely a genetic condition. If your parents or grandparents had them (particularly your mother or grandmother), you’ll be more likely to develop them.
Occupation
Jobs requiring long hours of standing, sitting, or heavy lifting put excess pressure on your leg and abdominal veins, making it harder for blood to get to the heart.
Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet lead to poor circulation and your veins not getting the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay strong. Over time, vein walls and valves weaken.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Varicose veins, in and of themselves, aren’t considered a dangerous condition. However, you may experience unpleasant symptoms like itching, swelling, limb fatigue, and pain. Even if you find these symptoms manageable, ignoring the condition for too long can lead to complications down the line. You may get:
- Oedema: swelling may worsen and become chronic
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: a clot forms in one of the large deep veins. The clot may dislodge and travel into the heart or lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, which may prove lethal.
- Venous eczema: without sufficient nutrients provided by healthy circulation, your skin may grow hard, dry, and itchy. It will also be slow to heal and prone to infection.
- Venous ulcer: due to long-term skin damage, you may develop a chronic wound.
What are the varicose vein treatment options?
Fortunately, when it comes to treating varicose veins, vascular surgery is no longer your option. Recent medical advancements let us offer safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment options. Here’s Dr Zil Yassine detailing our EVLA, RFA, Medical Superglue, Sclerotherapy, and ClariVein procedures:
What is the treatment process?
Step 01
One of our doctors will go through your medical history and listen to your concerns. After this, we’ll take an ultrasound scan of your veins to determine whether they’re varicose.
Your doctor will then discuss your treatment options and plan if necessary.
Step 02
Treatment
Treatments take approximately 45 minutes, are virtually pain-free, and are performed under local anaesthetic. While being treated, you can read, use your phone or request your favourite music to be played. Depending on your case, you may need more than one treatment.
Step 03
Aftercare
After your treatment, you will be required to walk daily and wear compression stockings, which will be included in your wellness package.
Most patients find relief of leg aches after treatment. Discover our patients’ outcomes here.
