Varicose Veins – Not Just a Woman’s Problem By Cindy Asbjornsen, DO, FACPh shows that this may not be the case. A
In fact, it is well known among vein specialists that men are just as likely to suffer from vein issues and tend to present with the worst vein problems, such as ulcers. The question is, why?
Phlebologists (vein specialists) have often observed that women tend to get help for their vein issues right away, while men will often wait until the problem becomes too painful to ignore. The result is, more often than not, leg ulcers that won’t heal.
Even men who are athletic are susceptible to venous disease. Sometimes men with vein problems misinterpret their symptoms, mistaking the pains of venous disease for a strained or pulled muscle.
The important thing for patients with vein issues is to seek help as soon as symptoms present themselves, regardless of gender. Venous conditions like varicose veins get worse with time, and the longer one waits, the more extensive the condition could become— and often, the treatment.
How veins work Veins carry blood from the legs and arms back to the heart. The blood in the legs travels up against gravity, so when the valves in the veins become damaged, blood “leaks” back into the legs and creates a “pooling” effect.
Effective treatment begins with a thorough evaluation from a
qualifi ed phlebologist who will look for the source of the problem: the leaky valve or valves. Once that is identifi ed, the physician can recommend the appropriate procedure or therapy.
Anatomically, men’s leg veins are no different from women’s
veins. Looking at a leg ultrasound, one would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a man’s and a woman’s legs.
What to look for The key for men is to get evaluated as soon as the symptoms become apparent or they suspect there’s a problem. Common symp-
ccording to epidemiologic studies of the 1960s and 70s, women are more likely than men to have venous disease, in- cluding varicose veins and spider veins. More recent research
toms of venous disease include:
• Leg fatigue or heaviness – When legs feel good upon waking but are intensely tired or heavy at the end of the day, this is an early warning sign.
• Swelling – Swelling can be caused by many things but also serves as a warning sign for vein problems. In any case, legs that frequently swell shouldn't be ignored. • Skin changes – Redness, skin thickening or other color changes on the legs and/or ankles is a common (and commonly over- looked) symptom. Other skin changes, such as dermatitis, cellulitis, dry or scaly skin, or brown “stains” on the skin can be signs of advanced venous disease, and should be evaluated by a physician. • Spider veins – Spider veins are blue or purple-colored veins that occur under the skin but are close enough to be seen on the surface. Treating them can improve appearance, as well as stop the progression of venous disease at its source.
• Varicose veins – Another sign of early stage venous disease, vari- cose veins are visible veins in the leg that bulge, often protrud- ing through the skin. • Ulcers – An open wound on the leg or ankle that fails to heal can be the result of ongoing venous disease. In fact, “venous sta- sis ulcers” in the leg are often an indication that venous disease has reached an advanced stage.
Treatment at any stage Venous disease is a progressive disease that is not curable, but for most people, even debilitating symptoms are completely treat- able. Today's vein treatments are minimally invasive, cause very little pain, and can be accomplished quickly right in a physician’s offi ce.
Treatment can stop the progression of venous disease and its complications for those in all stages of disease, however, early intervention is best and provides the most improved quality of life. But for those men (or women) struggling with late-stage symptoms it is still possible to restore health.
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine. Dr. Asbjornsen is a nationally recognized vein specialist, a Fellow of the American College of Phlebology, and
10 Essential Living Maine ~ July/August 2015
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