Men With Varicose Veins At 25: Why Do You Have Them?

If you're a 20-something male and have varicose veins on your legs, you may wonder where did they come from and why do you have them. For most people, varicose veins are only things that affect elderly men and women. But recent news reveal that young adults in their 20s and 30s can also experience varicose veins. Knowing why you have the unsightly veins in your legs can help you treat and even take steps to prevent them.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins typically show up in your lower body, but they can also develop in your abdomen, cheeks, chin, and nose. The condition develops when veins become too large and weak to support or transport blood. Instead of flow properly through your enlarged veins, your blood pools or settles. Your veins appear as thick "ropes" or twisted, squiggly lines through your skin. 

Bulging veins generally affect individuals over 50 years of age, as well as pregnant women. But young adults are fast becoming victims of varicose veins. In most cases, it's how you live your life that causes your varicose veins.

Why Do You Have Varicose Veins?

Veins should have the flexibility and strength to transport blood from various organs and tissues to your heart, including the tissues in your legs. The blood in your feet and legs must travel upward to reach your heart. Living a sedentary lifestyle, sitting for long periods of time, smoking, and a number of factors can weaken your veins over time. These factors prevent your blood from moving up in the body.

Weighing more than you should can factor in whether or not you develop varicose veins. Your BMI, or body mass index, should be less than 24.9 percent based on your height. The extra weight places stress on the veins in your legs, which may cause them to weaken.

How Do You Treat Varicose Veins?

Treatment for varicose veins can vary per person. However, surgery to destroy the veins is generally a viable option for adults of any age. A vein treatment specialist can also remove the excess blood from your bulging blood vessels. Unless you have other health problems to treat, you usually don't need to stay overnight in a hospital or clinic after varicose vein surgery. In most cases, you return home as soon as a doctor treats you. 

You can keep your veins healthy or prevent new varicose veins from forming by exercising on a regular basis, getting sufficient sleep and eating a healthy diet. Also, quit smoking if you do. Smoking can damage your blood vessels over time. If you're overweight, strive to reach your recommended weight or BMI. If you sit all day for work, take small breaks to stretch and ease pressure on your legs, hips and buttocks. 

For more information about varicose veins in young adults, speak to a specialist like Alaska Vein Care.