The stronger sex suffer from varicose veins at least as often as women, because deformities of the veins can occur anywhere. However, in men, the occurrence of deviations is usually associated with heavy physical exertion, obesity and pathologies of internal organs. If you find a problem, there should be no particular difficulty with how to treat varicose veins in the legs in men, as there are many ways to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins
Lower extremity veins can be deformed in any person, regardless of gender. The signs of the development of varicose veins in the legs, as well as the methods of treatment are similar to those in women.
The difference is that ladies take more care of their health and appearance, so they often turn to a doctor for help. Men usually go to a specialist when the disease is seriously progressing and surgery is needed.
Pathology can affect not only the vessels of the legs. Varicose veins in representatives of the strong half of humanity can be present on the abdomen (for example, due to overweight), on the testicles (varicocele), in the esophagus and stomach, as well as in the small pelvis (PMVMT).
Treatment of varicose veins of different localization in men with drugs is an additional method of combating this disorder. Medications can help relieve symptoms, especially in the early stages.
When prescribing drugs, it is important to consider their compatibility, otherwise you may get the opposite effect.
If we talk about the first type of drug, an examination is prescribed:
- phlebotonics, which increase venous tone, improve blood flow, remove congestion and swelling;
- anticoagulants that reduce the rate of blood clotting, which reduces the risk of blood clots;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that eliminate painful sensations and weaken inflammation;
- antioxidants that normalize lipid metabolism, accelerate cell regeneration, normalize blood circulation.
In addition to medication, patients are prescribed vitamin-mineral complexes in the form of syrups, tablets and pills, which allows the body to better fight disease.
Minimally invasive treatments
When asked how best to treat varicose veins in the legs in men, a phlebologist can advise a method that does not require a long stay in the clinic and allows you to recover quickly.
It is a minimally invasive intervention that allows the elimination of violations in local anesthesia:
- endothermic ablation;
- sclerotherapy.
The advantage of this approach is that it is painless and less traumatic. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the affected area or injected with a thin needle.
Previously, the doctor finds out why the disease appeared, because determining the cause of varicose veins allows you to competently approach its treatment.
Endothermic ablation
The technique allows you to effectively deal with varicose veins in men due to exposure to radio frequency or laser in areas with diseased veins.
The essence of the procedure is to heat the venous wall with a laser (endovenous laser ablation, EVLA) or high-frequency radio waves (RFA) until the vessel is completely closed. Thus, blood begins to circulate through healthy veins.
The attractiveness of endothermic ablation is due to:
- performing manipulations through small incisions;
- minimal discomfort;
- significant attenuation of symptoms.
After RFA, the patient may feel a burning sensation in the operated area. Intravenous laser treatment sometimes leads to hematomas, heaviness in the legs and pain. Short-term nerve damage is not excluded.
Sclerotherapy
If there are contraindications for endothermic ablation, sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy) may be prescribed. The injection of a chemical substance (sclerosant) into the vein is planned, as a result of which the vein is sealed.
The technique will be most effective in the presence of one vein affected by varicose veins.
Injected with a thin needle, the solution causes the vessel to thicken and close completely. The big advantage of sclerotherapy is that there is no need for anesthesia.
To avoid re-inflow of blood into the treated vessel, sclerosing bandages are applied, while special gymnastics is recommended.
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the disease, the number of varicose veins and the wishes of the patient.
The minimally invasive procedure, despite the positive effect, does not exclude recurrence and the need for repeated therapy. Side effects often include blood clots, headaches, pigmented areas, and temporary vision impairment.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
Once we understand whether men have varicose veins and what is the reason for their appearance, we need to think about its removal. If, with a mild course, drug therapy is sufficient, then more severe cases require serious surgical intervention.
Conservative treatment and techniques with minimal tissue damage will be ineffective if varicose veins in men are accompanied by a significant worsening of symptoms and complications.
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During the operation, the probe is introduced towards the foot through an incision at the proximal end of the venous vein of the diseased leg, after which another incision is made in the area of the distal end of the vessel. After attaching the vein to the probe head with a ligature (special thread), the surgeon gently pulls it out.
Usually, such manipulations are done several times, because it is difficult to remove the affected vein in one step.
Short vein removal is a procedure that involves removing only a small portion of a deformed vein.
Contraindications to the intervention:
- high risk of complications after surgery;
- violation of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in the legs;
- bloody clothes;
- skin infections.
If necessary, removal is combined with sclerotherapy. This is suitable if the varicose veins are affected by veins of different sizes at the same time.
Miniphlebectomy
A common technique that copes well with the symptoms of varicose veins in men. To remove the affected vein, the surgeon makes an incision of 1-2 mm and with a special instrument (Varadi's hook) pulls out the vein, connects it and crosses it. Manipulations are performed under local anesthesia.
Miniphlebectomy is usually prescribed for:
- large diameter saphenous vein;
- atypical location of varicose veins (for example, in the foot area);
- blood vessels near the surface of the skin.
Surgery is prohibited for patients with high blood pressure, ischemia, trophic ulcers and infectious skin lesions.
Men who procrastinate with the surgical method of treatment can develop diseases of the cardiovascular system, serious pathologies of veins and blood vessels.
This technique has many advantages:
- minimal trauma;
- High performance;
- lack of scars;
- short period of rehabilitation.
In rare cases, bruising, bleeding, thrombosis appear after the procedure. During the removal of a vein, the color of the skin may change in a short time.
Transillumination phlebectomy
It is a modern hardware method for removing varicose veins on the legs. The anesthesia used is general or local. The vein is removed through one or two small punctures, while the instrument is inserted with a built-in source of cold light, which allows to distinguish varicose nodes.
However, practice shows that such a technique can cause many complications due to rather rough manipulations inside the vein.
In particular, such an intervention can lead to seals, hematomas, lymphorrhea, skin hyperpigmentation and neurological disorders.
Traditional methods of treatment
One of the directions of alternative medicine is treatment with folk remedies. Of course, their use will be effective in the initial stages of varicose veins. In order to properly conduct therapy at home, it is necessary to coordinate it with a phlebologist.
He will tell you which methods will be the most effective and safest, and which will be best avoided.
Use of datura
The plant cleans blood vessels well, promotes the resorption of blood clots, improves metabolism and blood circulation. However, it is important to remember: its seeds are poisonous, so it is dangerous to use the drug without the knowledge of a doctor.
Recipe and method of using the tincture:
- seeds crushed in a coffee grinder (80-100 g) pour vodka (0, 5 l) and put in a dark place for 2 weeks, while the container must be periodically shaken;
- the initial dose is 15 drops, diluted in half a glass of water, once daily before meals;
- the daily dose is increased by 1-2 drops to 25;
- the duration of therapy is one month.
Datura is also suitable for coatings. To do this, cotton wool is moistened in tincture, diluted with water, applied to diseased areas, covered with film and fixed with a bandage. The same dose of the drug is taken for the procedure as for internal use.
Honey, garlic and lemon
It is difficult to overestimate the useful properties of this combination of products, which is often called the elixir of youth. They are used both individually and together, which only enhances the effect.
For example, honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties. Eliminates cholesterol accumulations, affects the speed of metabolism and removes toxins.
Lemon contains a lot of ascorbic acid. Thanks to it, the work of the circulatory system is normalized and cholesterol plaques are absorbed.
Garlic is known for its ability to fight infections and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is an excellent remedy for improving vascular elasticity.
Examples of recipes:
- Lemon should be passed twice through a meat grinder together with the skin and all the contents (5 pcs. ), As well as garlic (5-6 cloves). The porridge is mixed with honey (500 g) and placed in a glass jar. For treatment it is necessary to use 1 teaspoon 2 times a day. mixture previously diluted in 1 cup of water.
- The mixture prepared by the above method must be transferred to a 3-liter jar and completely filled with warm boiled water. The dish is placed in the refrigerator for 10 days. Before use, the liquid is filtered and taken in 1 tbsp. l. diluted 2 times a day.
Remember that these products can cause side effects. It is undesirable to use them for allergies, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids, kidney failure, diseases of the genitourinary system.
Green tomatoes
Traditional medicine suggests applying slices of green tomato to sore veins. This should be done at night for a long period of time. The secret of the method is in the content of lycopene, an antioxidant that increases the elasticity of blood vessels and protects them from the effects of free radicals.
The substance prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, which causes the formation of cholesterol plaques and blockage of the vascular lumen.
It is useful not only to use tomatoes for dressings, but also to eat them regularly.
Nettle treatment
The composition of the plant determines its strengthening and toning properties. Nettle reduces the viscosity of the blood and thus ensures its normal circulation. It removes clogging, accelerates regenerative processes and prevents the accumulation of cholesterol.
Ways to use nettles:
- The leaves (1 tbsp. L. ) are placed in a bowl, filled with water (200 ml) and ignited. After boiling, the stove must be switched off. The cooled broth is strained and drunk three times a day 20 minutes before meals.
- Dried plant (6 tbsp. L. ) should be poured vodka (0, 5 l) and leave in a dark place for 2 days. The tincture is taken before meals for 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day, and is also used for compresses.
The first positive results can be noticed only after 2-3 months, but the course should last much longer.
Nettle-based products are contraindicated in patients suffering from allergic reactions, diabetes mellitus, trophic ulcers, high blood pressure.
Other recipes
If there is a characteristic symptomatology that accompanies varicose veins in men on the legs, many other folk remedies will help:
- Sour milk is mixed with chopped wormwood to a mushy state. The mixture is applied on gauze and applied to problem areas overnight. After 5 days of therapy there is a break.
- Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon) pour boiling water (1 cup) and add honey (1 teaspoon). The drink is drunk 30 minutes after insisting an hour before a meal, and then another 2 hours.
- For the tincture, it is necessary to pour alcohol (0. 5 l) on wild chestnut flowers (50 g) and leave it to stand for 2 weeks. The drugs are shaken every day. Scheme of reception - three times a day, 1 tbsp. l. , rinse with water.
Important: nutmeg can alleviate painful discomfort and speed up the healing of trophic ulcers. However, non-compliance with the norm can cause dangerous consequences. It is allowed to take no more than 3-5 g at a time.
Treatment with external use
External means therapy is recommended for varicose veins of the lower extremities. For men with diseased veins on the legs, it is useful to use ointments and gels, which are especially good in eliminating the initial manifestations of the unpleasant disease.
Compared to ointments, the gels are lighter in consistency, which allows them to be quickly absorbed into the skin, delivering medicinal substances to the affected area in a short time.
Alternative treatments
Both women and men suffer from the development of varicose veins, while the causes of the disorder are very diverse. And in order to deal with the signs of the disease, which are becoming more pronounced as it progresses, phlebologists advise complex action.
In other words, patients with deformed veins on their legs should supplement drug therapy by wearing compression stockings, performing a series of exercises and massage procedures.
gymnastics
Physiotherapeutic exercises, although they do not completely eliminate pathological manifestations, but significantly improve the condition of the veins. It is necessary to train not only in the presence of disease. Gymnastics is an excellent prevention of varicose veins on the legs in men.
The main thing is that the exercises are chosen by a phlebologist, because it is important to take into account the severity of the disease, concomitant pathologies and other factors.
For varicose veins, it is helpful to do the following:
- Simulate riding a bike while on the floor or in bed. After 30 rotations of the legs, you need to rest.
- Sitting on a chair, alternately lift your socks, then your heels (20-30 times).
- Lying on your back with your legs outstretched, bend-develop your toes (20 reps).
- Walk on your toes in several approaches. You can just stay put.
A great solution is a daily bike ride in the fresh air. Ultimately, a exercise bike at the gym or at home will be good for you.
Massage
Of course, there is no doubt that men have varicose veins. Accordingly, they also need a competent approach to treating the pathology. As for massage, a properly performed procedure helps reduce pain in the lower extremities and improves blood circulation.
A similar method of resolving violations is most effective in the phase of the disease when there are no pronounced symptoms.
Contraindications:
- injuries, cuts on the skin of the feet;
- feverish state;
- inflammatory or infectious process;
- thrombophlebitis.
It is advisable to entrust the massage to a qualified specialist. If a man decides on the procedure itself, it is important to be extremely careful.
Before the session, it is necessary to keep the legs in an elevated position, after which anti-varicose ointment is applied.
The massage must be attended regularly, only then will the first effect appear.
The fight against the signs of varicose veins is carried out using:
- caressing from ankle to knee;
- circular movements in the lower leg;
- intensive thigh massage;
- circular and zigzag movements in the lumbar region.
At the end of the procedure, socks are worn or an elastic bandage is used.
Compression underwear
Wearing knitwear with compression properties allows you to evenly distribute the load on the lower extremities, eliminate the feeling of heaviness and fatigue, as well as avoid the progression of pathology.
Manufacturers produce underwear for both women and the stronger sex.
The medical jersey is presented with products in the form of:
- golf;
- socks;
- leggings.
One or the other option is selected taking into account the location of deformed vessels.
In addition, the stage of the disease is important:
- In addition to the initial signs, knee socks with a compression rate of no more than 21 mm Hg are suitable. Art.
- Progressive varicose veins and thrombophlebitis require the use of varicose vein stockings for men with pressures up to 32 mm Hg. Art. They are prescribed even after the operation.
- If there is lymphovenous insufficiency, trophic disorders, the use of category 3 knitwear (pressure indicator - up to 46 mm Hg) is indicated.
- In the presence of severe pathology, accompanied by thrombosis and lymphedema, you should wear underwear with a compression of 49 mm or more. rt. Art.
In order to prevent the occurrence of violations, especially in the postoperative period, it is recommended to use prophylactic knitwear (15-18 mm Hg).
Varicose veins in men are quite curable if you consult a phlebologist in time. The longer the disease is present and the more intense its symptoms, the greater the risk of dangerous complications.