Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins at least as often as women, because deformation of the veins can occur anywhere. However, in men, the appearance of a deviation is usually associated with heavy physical exertion, obesity and pathologies of Organs internal organs. If you encounter a problem, then there should be no specific difficulties in how to treat varicose veins in the legs in men, as there are many ways to get rid of unpleasant symptoms.
Conservative varicose veins therapy
The veins of the lower extremities can be deformed in anyone, regardless of gender. The signs of developing varicose veins in the legs in men, as well as the treatment methods, are similar to those in women.
The difference lies in the fact that women pay more attention to their health and appearance, so they often turn to a doctor for help. Men often go to a specialist when the disease is seriously progressing and surgery is needed.
The pathology can affect not only the vessels of the legs. Varicose veins in representatives of a strong half of humanity can be present in the abdomen (for example, due to excess weight), in the testes (varicocele), in the esophagus and stomach, as well as in the small pelvis (PMVMT).
Treating varicose veins of various locations in men with medication is an additional method of combating the disorder. Medication 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, then an appointment is prescribed:
- phlebotonics, which increase venous tone, improve blood flow, eliminate congestion and swelling;
- anticoagulants that reduce blood clotting rates, which reduces the risk of blood clots;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that remove painful sensations and weaken inflammation;
- antioxidants that normalize lipid metabolism, accelerate cell regeneration, normalize blood circulation.
In addition to medications, patients are given vitamin and mineral complexes in the form of syrups, tablets and pills, which allows the body to better fight the disease.
Minimally invasive treatments
When the question arises about 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 for a quick recovery.
We are talking about a minimally invasive intervention that provides for the elimination of the violation under 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 an injection with a fine needle is made.
Previously, the doctor finds out why the disease appeared, since determining the cause of varicose veins allows you to competently approach its treatment.
endothermic ablation
The technique makes it possible to effectively deal with varicose veins in men due to exposure to radiofrequency or laser in areas with diseased vessels.
The essence of the procedure is to heat the venous wall using a laser (intravenous laser ablation, EVLA) or high frequency radio waves (RFA) until the vessel is completely sealed. Thus, blood begins to circulate through healthy veins.
The attractiveness of endothermic ablation is due to:
- perform manipulations through small incisions;
- minimal discomfort;
- significant attenuation of symptoms.
After RFA, the patient may feel a tingling sensation in the operated area. Intravenous laser treatment sometimes results in bruising, heaviness in the legs, and pain. Short-term nerve damage is not excluded.
sclerotherapy
If there are contraindications to endothermic ablation, sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy) may be prescribed. It provides for the injection of a chemical substance (sclerosant) into the vessel, as a result of which the vein is also sealed.
The technique will be most effective in the presence of a vein affected by varicose veins.
Injected with a fine needle, the solution causes the vessel to thicken and close completely. A major advantage of sclerotherapy is that there is no need for anesthesia.
To prevent repeated blood flow to the treated vessel, dressings with a sclerosing substance are applied, while special gymnastics are recommended.
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the disease, the number of varicose veins and the patient's own wishes.
The minimally invasive procedure, despite the positive effect, does not exclude recurrence and the need for repeated therapy. Among the side effects, blood clots, headaches, pigmented areas and temporary visual impairment are often seen.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
Having found out whether men have varicose veins and what is the reason for their appearance, it is necessary to think about their elimination. If, with a light course, drug therapy is sufficient, 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.
pickling
During the operation, a probe is inserted towards the foot through an incision in the proximal end of the venous vessel of the diseased leg, after which another incision is made in the region of the distal end of the vessel. After securing the vein to the probe head with a ligature (special thread), the surgeon gently pulls it out.
Typically, these manipulations are done several times, as it is difficult to remove the affected vessel in a single step.
Short stripping is a procedure that involves removing only a small section of a deformed vein.
Contraindications to intervention:
- high risk of complications after surgery;
- violation of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in the legs;
- blood clots;
- skin infections.
If necessary, pickling is combined with sclerotherapy. This is appropriate if varicose veins are simultaneously affected by veins of different sizes.
miniphlebectomy
A common technique that deals well with the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs in men. To remove the affected vessel, the surgeon makes a 1-2 mm incision and with a special instrument (Varadi hook) brings the vein out, ties it up and crosses it. Manipulations are performed under local anesthesia.
Miniphlebectomy is usually prescribed for:
- large diameter of the saphenous veins;
- atypical location of varicose veins (for example, in the area of the foot);
- vessels near the surface of the skin.
The operation is prohibited for patients with arterial hypertension, cardiac ischemia, trophic ulcers and infectious skin lesions.
Men who delay the surgical method of treatment can develop diseases of the cardiovascular system, serious pathologies of the veins and blood vessels.
This technique has many advantages:
- minimal trauma;
- high performance;
- lack of scars;
- a short period of rehabilitation.
In rare cases, bruising, bleeding, thrombosis appear after the procedure. In the course of the removed vessel, the skin color may change for a short time.
transillumination phlebectomy
It is a modern hardware method to eliminate varicose veins in the legs. The anesthesia used is general or local. The vein is removed through one or two small punctures, while an instrument is inserted with a built-in cold light source, which makes it possible to distinguish between varicose nodules.
However, practice shows that such a technique can cause many complications due to rather rough manipulations performed inside the vein.
In particular, such intervention can result in seals, bruising, lymphorrhea, skin hyperpigmentation, and neurological disorders.
Traditional methods of treatment
One of the directions of alternative medicine is treatment with folk remedies. Naturally, its use will be effective in the early stages of varicose veins. To correctly carry out therapy at home, it is imperative to coordinate it with a phlebologist.
It will tell you which methods will be the most effective and safe and which are the best to avoid.
data usage
The plant cleans blood vessels well, promotes the reabsorption of blood clots, improves metabolism and blood circulation. However, it is important to remember: its seeds are poisonous, so it is dangerous to use drug drugs without a doctor's knowledge.
Recipe and method of using the tincture:
- seeds crushed in a coffee grinder (80-100 g) are poured with vodka (0. 5 l) and placed in a dark place for 2 weeks, while the container must be periodically shaken;
- the initial dosage is 15 drops, diluted in half a glass of water, once a day before meals;
- the daily dosage is increased by 1-2 drops to 25;
- the duration of therapy is one month.
Datura is also suitable for compresses. For this, cotton is moistened in a dye, diluted in water, applied to the diseased areas, covered with a film and fixed with a bandage. For the procedure, the same dosage of the drug is taken as for internal use.
Honey, Garlic and Lemon
It is difficult to overestimate the beneficial properties of this product combination, often referred to as 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. It eliminates cholesterol build-ups, affects the metabolic rate and removes toxins.
Lemon contains a lot of ascorbic acid. Thanks to him, the work of the circulatory system is normalized and cholesterol plaques are absorbed.
Garlic is known for its ability to fight infections and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is an excellent remedy to improve vascular elasticity.
Examples of recipes:
- The lemons must be passed through a meat grinder twice together with the skin and the entire content (5 pcs. ), as well as the garlic (5-6 cloves). Porridge is mixed with honey (500 g) and placed in a glass container. For treatment, you need to use 1 teaspoon 2 times a day. a mixture previously diluted in 1 glass 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 container is placed in the refrigerator for 10 days. Before use, the liquid is filtered and taken in 1 tbsp. I. diluted 2 times a day.
Do not forget that these products can cause unwanted reactions. 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 painful veins. This must be done at night for a long time. The secret of the method lies in the content of lycopene, an antioxidant that increases the elasticity of blood vessels and protects them from the influence of free radicals.
The substance prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, which is the cause of the formation of cholesterol plaques and the blockage of the vascular lumen.
It is useful not only to use tomatoes for compresses, but also to eat them regularly.
nettle treatment
The composition of the plant determines its strengthening and tonic properties. Nettle reduces the viscosity of the blood, thus ensuring its normal circulation. It eliminates congestion, accelerates regenerative processes and prevents the appearance of cholesterol accumulations.
Ways to use nettle:
- Leaves (1 tbsp. L. ) are placed in a container, filled with water (200 ml) and placed on fire. After boiling, the stove must be turned off. The cooled broth is filtered and drunk three times a day 20 minutes before meals.
- The dried plant (6 tbsp. L. ) It should be poured with vodka (0. 5 l) and left in a dark place for 2 days. The tincture is taken before meals for 1 tbsp. I. 3 times a day, and is also used for compresses.
The first positive results can be seen 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, then many other folk remedies will help:
- Sour milk is mixed with chopped absinthe to a soft state. The mixture is applied to gauze and applied to problem areas overnight. After 5 days of therapy, a break is taken.
- Ground nutmeg (1 tsp) is poured with boiling water (1 cup) and honey (1 tsp) is added. The drink is drunk 30 minutes after insisting one hour before meals and after another 2 hours.
- For tincture, you need to pour alcohol (0. 5 l) chestnut flowers (50 g) and leave to infuse for 2 weeks. Every day the drug is shaken. Reception schedule - three times a day, 1 tbsp. l. , washed with water.
An important point: nutmeg is able to relieve painful discomfort and accelerate the healing of trophic ulcers. However, failure to comply with the standard can have dangerous consequences. It is permissible to take no more than 3-5 g at a time.
Treatment through external use
With varicose veins of the lower extremities, therapy with external agents is recommended. It is useful for men with diseased vessels in the legs to use ointments and gels, which are especially good for eliminating the initial manifestations of an unpleasant disease.
Compared to ointments, gels have a lighter consistency, which allows them to be quickly absorbed into the skin, delivering healing 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 to deal with the signs of the disease, which become more pronounced as it progresses, phlebologists advise to act in a complex way.
In other words, patients with deformed veins in the legs should complement drug therapy by wearing compression stockings, performing a series of exercises and massage procedures.
Fitness
Physiotherapy exercises, although it does not completely eliminate pathological manifestations, but significantly improves the condition of the veins. It is necessary to train not only in the presence of a disease. Gymnastics is an excellent prevention of varicose veins in the legs in men.
The main thing is that exercises are selected by a phlebologist, as it is important to take into account the severity of the disease, concomitant pathologies and other factors.
With varicose veins, it is helpful to do the following:
- Simulate riding a bike on the floor or in bed. After 30 leg rotations, you need to get some rest.
- Sitting on a chair, alternately lift your socks and then your heels (20 to 30 times).
- Lying on your back with legs extended, bend-unfold your toes (20 reps).
- Walk on tiptoe in various approaches. You can just stand still.
A great solution is to ride a bike daily outdoors. As a last resort, an exercise bike at the gym or at home will do.
Massage
Certainly, there is no longer any doubt about whether men have varicose veins. Thus, they also need a competent approach to the treatment of the pathology. As far as massage is concerned, a procedure performed correctly helps to reduce pain in the lower extremities and improve blood circulation.
A similar method of dealing with a violation is most effective at this stage of the disease, when there are no pronounced symptoms.
Contraindications:
- injuries, cuts in the skin of the legs;
- feverish state;
- inflammatory or infectious process;
- thrombophlebitis.
It is advisable to entrust the massage to a qualified specialist. If a man decides to do the procedure himself, it is important to be extremely careful.
Before the session, it is necessary to keep the legs in an elevated position, after which an anti-varicose ointment is applied.
Massage must be attended regularly, only then will the first effect appear.
The fight against the signs of varicose veins is carried out using:
- stroking 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 or an elastic bandage are placed.
compression underwear
The use of meshes with compression properties makes it possible to evenly distribute the load on the lower extremities, remove the feeling of heaviness and fatigue and also prevent the progression of the pathology.
Manufacturers produce lingerie for both women and the stronger sex.
The medical shirt is presented by products in the form of:
- golf;
- sock;
- pantyhose.
Either option is selected taking into account the location of the deformed vessels.
In addition, the stage of the disease is important:
- With early signs, knee socks with compression rates not exceeding 21 mm Hg are suitable. Art.
- Progressive varicose veins and thrombophlebitis require the use of varicose vein stockings for men with pressure up to 32 mm Hg. Art. They are also prescribed after surgery.
- If there is lymphovenous insufficiency, trophic disorders, the use of category 3 meshes is indicated (pressure indicator - up to 46 mm Hg).
- In the presence of a severe form of pathology, accompanied by thrombosis and lymphedema, you should wear underwear with a compression of 49 mm or more. art. Art.
To prevent the appearance of a violation, in particular, in the postoperative period, the use of prophylactic meshes (15-18 mm Hg) is recommended.
Varicose veins in men are quite treatable if you look for a phlebologist in time. The longer the disease has been present and the more intense its symptoms, the greater the risk of dangerous complications.