It is traditionally believed that varicose veins are a female disease. Carrying a child and giving birth, preferring shoes with high heels, professions that involve a long stay in a standing position, cause this problem in the fairer sex. But medical statistics show that the disease does not bypass men (especially those over 40) and that in one in four cases it is detected 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 noticeable changes associated with the processes of blood stagnation and the impossibility of its outflow from the extremities in the required volume. With the development of the disease, the veins take on a knotty, uneven appearance, protruding above the surface of the skin. This is due to the fact that the walls of blood vessels with a regular increase in load on them become thinner, become less elastic, the inner lumen in them increases. Valves in the veins are not able to regulate blood flow. They lose the ability to close, which causes reflux of blood and part of its volume returns to the vessel, which leads to even greater dilation.
This process is characterized as venous insufficiency, further development of the disease causes thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins often spread to the groin. The mentioned dislocation of the pathology leads to congestion in the pelvic organs, blood circulation in the iliac and inferior vena cava is impaired. The appearance of vascular nodules in the groin area worsens the patient's sexual life, causing infertility in him.
Not every man can pay attention to the first external manifestations of the disease, so the doctor often sees a picture of the existing pathology, when the veins have already been seriously changed. The appearance of varicose veins in the stronger sex is caused by:
- increased physical activity (work related to lifting and carrying loads, heavy sports, military service);
- long periods 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 due to genetic factors.
The causes of varicose veins in men are often associated with the negative impact of addiction. Regular consumption of strong alcohol changes the work of the liver, which causes the formation of blood clots. Smoking can cause vascular disorders that lead to the growth of varicose veins.
Stages of the disease and its symptoms
Pathological changes in the veins are a rather long 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 the legs, their swelling. Visible vascular stellate patterns begin to appear on the skin, they have a pinkish-red color. The subcutaneous location of the veins becomes noticeable - a bluish network, called reticular varicose veins. The man notices cramps in the muscles of the lower leg, feels pain in the veins, characterizes it as pulsating.
The symptoms of the second phase are more pronounced, in this phase the patient consults a phlebologist. The patient may complain of many manifestations of the disease:
- increased discomfort in the legs - pain (permanent or intermittent), feeling of heaviness and fatigue;
- swelling of the limbs is visible;
- muscle cramps become frequent, have a pronounced painful character;
- varicose nodes are clearly visible, dilated, can be felt by tissue palpation or visually;
- dermatitis begins to develop, spots appear, their color can be of different shades - from brown to red;
- the skin above the altered veins loses sensitivity.
The last stage of varicose veins is decompensation. Constant companions of man in this period are dangerous consequences of the development of the disease:
- severe swelling of the limbs;
- constant pain of acute nature;
- the appearance of varicose veins of considerable size, their photograph reminiscent of clusters;
- skin changes due to the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- progression of trophic ulcers that do not heal, the appearance of erysipelas, which can lead to sepsis.
Methods of treatment
The choice of method for the treatment of varicose veins in men depends on the assessment of the patient's condition, the diagnosed stage of the disease. Modern medicine offers traditional, conservative and invasive treatments. Additional measures that can make life easier for the patient, reduce the manifestation of symptoms is the use of traditional medicine.
conservative methods
In the initial stages, it is possible to treat veins in men with drugs using several groups of drugs whose action is directed:
- to strengthen the venous walls, giving them elasticity;
- to combat increased 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 the problem area, fights thrombophlebitis and strengthens veins.
When prescribing drugs, individual characteristics are taken into account, because a person may have diseases of other organs. In many cases, the simultaneous use of drugs against varicose veins 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 technologies, their wide use in clinics, enables the choice of the method of invasive surgery for almost every patient. The stage of varicose veins, the characteristics of the condition of blood vessels and general health condition determine the choice of surgical method. Patients are offered:
- sclerotherapy sessions (the procedure must be repeated up to 6 times) - regenerative drug is injected into the damaged area of the vein, which restores damaged tissues;
- laser therapy - the beam affects the problem area, destroying the node;
- miniphlebectomy - the affected area of the vein is removed through small diameter punctures;
- ozone therapy - gas is injected into a vein, has a restorative effect on small blood vessels.
Folk recipes
People have been trying for a long time to beat varicose veins. Folk recipes are passed down from generation to generation 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 rubbing tinctures, which are based on alcohol and medicinal components - the fruit of wild chestnut or Kalanchoe. Herbal decoctions are effective and can be used in two ways - for swallowing or as a base for foot baths or lotions. Medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory and tonic effects are chosen for recipes: nettle, oak leaf, string or knotweed.
Patients use a wide variety of remedies, for example, apple cider vinegar is used for therapeutic dressings. His choice is justified by antibacterial properties, vitamin composition and content of amino acids, microelements.
Disease prevention in men
If the first symptoms of varicose veins are noticed, a change in lifestyle should be considered. To prevent the disease from progressing, you must use the recommendations:
- conduct regular examinations of veins, especially with a genetic predisposition for the development of their pathologies;
- refuse heavy physical exertion;
- change the way of motor activity;
- abandon bad habits;
- establish a diet and drinking regime that will contribute to the normalization of body weight.
Observation by a doctor, implementation of various methods of treatment under his control, preventive measures allow a person to feel better, reduce the manifestations of dangerous varicose veins.