Fit men may get varicose veins. Many people believe myths that women get varicose veins more frequently than men, that pregnancy, being overweight or life-style choices (lack of exercise, diet, or occupation) cause varicose veins.
Well meet Stewart Palmer who is a double Iron Man. He developed varicose veins when he was only 20 years old and despite regular running, swimming and cycling, his veins got worse. They ached after exercise and he did not like the appearance of his legs particularly in cycle shorts. He had his veins treated by Dr Haroun Gajraj of the VeinCare Centre near Bristol.
Some doctors believe that many more men than women have varicose veins and that they are caused by having children. In fact, there is very little evidence to support this and one of the best scientific studies – The Edinburgh Vein Study* – suggests that more men than women develop varicose veins. Certainly, as Stewart has noticed, women tend to seek varicose veins treatment earlier than men. Men with varicose veins tend to view them as only cosmetic. However, varicose veins in men are not just a cosmetic issue, as, they can cause ache, discomfort, swelling and complications such as varicose eczema, phlebitis, bleeding, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and leg ulcers. Early treatment of varicose veins is recommended by most vein specialists ( phlebologists) to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Modern treatments avoid painful surgical stripping, avoid general anesthetic and avoid admission to hospital. In most cases, the treatments can be done under local anaesthetic in just a few hours. Stewart is delighted with the results of his treatment and has given his permission to share his experience and the before and after photographs after VNUS Closure.
Contact me today for a confidential chat
If you’re worried about your veins and would like a confidential chat please do get in touch. I am happy to offer simple advice by telephone or email for free and without obligation.
The VeinCare Centre also offers a screening assessment with our vascular technologist. For £25 you can have a scan with Wendy Parsons. She is not a doctor and so she could not give you medical advice but she can check your deep veins and your varicose veins and give you an idea of how bad they are and what treatment options might be available. If you would like to have an appointment with Wendy please call 0800 698 3467.
*Reference
The Edinburgh Vein Study – J.Epidemiol. Community Health 1999;53:149-153