There is a traditional opinion that varicose veins are a disease of women. Carrying a child and giving birth, preferring high -heeled shoes, a profession that involves long periods in a standing position, causes this problem among the fairer sex. But medical statistics show that the disease does not bypass men (especially those over 40 years of age) and is detected in one in four cases to one degree or another.
Characteristics of the disease in men
Varicose veins on the legs in men, as well as in women, are characterized by significant changes associated with the process of blood stasis and the impossibility of its outflow from the legs in the required amount. With the progression of the disease, the veins acquire a knotted, uneven, protruding appearance above the surface of the skin. This is due to the fact that the walls of vessels with a normal increase in load on them become thinner, become less elastic, the internal lumen in them increases. The valves in the veins cannot control blood flow. They lose the ability to close, as a result there is reverse reflux of blood and part of its volume returns to the vessel, leading to greater expansion.
This process is characterized as venous insufficiency, the further development of the disease gives rise to thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins often spread to the groin. Determined pathological dislocations lead to congestion in the pelvic organs, blood circulation in the iliac and inferior vena cava becomes difficult. The appearance of vascular nodes in the groin area worsens the sexual life of the patient, causing infertility in her.
Not every man can attend the first external manifestations of the disease, so doctors often see a picture of the existing pathology, when the veins have already seriously changed. The occurrence of varicose veins in representatives of the stronger sex is due to:
- increased physical activity (work related to lifting and carrying loads, heavy sports, military service);
- a long period of time when a person is in a sitting or standing position;
- overweight, malnutrition;
- high blood pressure;
- body hypothermia;
- abnormal structure of the vascular system is caused by genetic factors.
The cause of varicose veins in men is often associated with the negative effects of addiction. Regular strong alcohol intake alters liver function, which leads to the formation of blood clots. Smoking can cause vascular disorders that lead to the growth of varicose veins.
The stage of the disease and its symptoms
Pathological changes in the veins are a relatively lengthy process. Signs of varicose veins in men are observed depending on one of the three stages of disease development.
The first of them is characterized by the appearance of a feeling of fatigue in their legs, swelling. Visible vascular star patterns begin to appear on the skin, they have a pinkish-pink color. The subcutaneous location of the vein becomes noticeable - a bluish mesh, called the reticular varicose vein. A man noted a cramp in the calf muscle, felt pain in the vein, characterized it as throbbing.
The symptoms of the second stage are more pronounced, at this stage the patient turns to a phlebologist. Patients can complain of many manifestations of the disease:
- increased discomfort in the legs - pain (permanent or periodic), heaviness and fatigue;
- there is marked swelling of the limbs;
- muscle spasms become frequent, have a pronounced painful character;
- varicose nodes are clearly visible, developed, they can be felt by palpation of the tissue or visually;
- dermatitis begins to develop, spots appear, their color can be different colors - from brown to red;
- the skin over the altered vein loses its sensitivity.
The final stage of varicose veins is decompensation. A man's permanent companion during this period is a dangerous consequence of the development of the disease:
- severe swelling of the limbs;
- persistent pain of an acute nature;
- the appearance of varicose veins of large size, their photo resembles a bunch of grapes;
- changes in the skin due to the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- the development of an unhealed trophic ulcer, the appearance of erysipelas, which can lead to sepsis.
Methods of Treatment
The choice of method for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs in men depends on the assessment of the patient's condition, the degree of the diagnosed disease. Modern medicine offers traditional, or conservative, and invasive treatments. An additional measure that can make life easier for patients, reduce the manifestation of symptoms, is the use of traditional medicine.
conservative methods
In the early stages, it is possible to treat varicose veins in men with drugs using several groups of drugs, the action of which is directed:
- to strengthen the walls of the veins, giving them elasticity;
- to combat the increase in blood viscosity, reducing its thrombogenic ability;
- to reduce inflammation.
External drugs increase the effectiveness of treatment - ointments or creams with anticoagulant properties. Their regular use improves blood circulation in problem areas, fights the development of thrombophlebitis, and strengthens veins.
When prescribing medication, individual characteristics are taken into account, as a man can have diseases of other organs. In many cases, the simultaneous use of anti-varicose drugs and drugs for the treatment of other pathologies is unacceptable.
Invasive treatment
The disease in men often develops in a neglected, dangerous form and does not respond well to drug therapy. The development of medical technology, its widespread use in clinics makes it possible to choose invasive surgical methods for almost every patient. The degree of varicose veins, the characteristics of the vessel condition and general health determine the choice of surgical method. Patients are offered:
- sclerotherapy sessions (the procedure must be repeated up to 6 times) - regenerative drugs are injected into the damaged area of the vein, which restores the damaged tissue;
- laser therapy - radiation affects problem areas, destroying nodes;
- miniphlebectomy - the affected venous area is removed through a small diameter puncture;
- ozone therapy - a gas injected into a vein, it has a restorative effect on small vessels.
Folk recipes
People have long tried to beat varicose veins. Folk recipes are passed down between generations to improve the condition of sore feet. At home, a man can use many natural remedies, but they should be used after consulting a doctor. Experts recommend a tincture for rubbing, which is based on alcohol and medicinal components - horse chestnut or Kalanchoe. Herbal decoction is effective, which can be used in two ways - for ingestion or as a base for foot baths or lotions. For the recipe, herbs with anti-inflammatory and tonic effects are selected: nettle, oak leaves, rope or knotweed.
Patients use a variety of means, for example, apple cider vinegar is used for therapeutic compresses. The choice is allowed by the antibacterial properties, vitamin composition and content of amino acids, micro -elements.
Disease prevention in men
If the first symptoms of varicose veins are observed, you should think about changing your lifestyle. To prevent the disease from developing, you need to use the following recommendations:
- carry out regular examinations on the veins, especially with a genetic predisposition to the development of their pathology;
- rejecting heavy physical effort;
- changing the mode of motor activity;
- stop bad habits;
- creating a diet and drink regimen, which will contribute to the normalization of weight.
Observation by a doctor, carrying out various methods of treatment under his control, preventive measures allow a man to feel better, reduce the manifestations of dangerous varicose veins.