There is a traditional opinion that varicose veins are a female disease. Carrying a child and giving birth, preferring shoes with high heels, professions that involve a long standing, cause this problem among the fairer sex. But medical statistics show that the disease does not ignore men (especially those over 40) and is detected in one in four cases to one degree or another.
Features 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 stagnation of blood and the impossibility of its output from the extremities in the necessary volume. With the development of the disease, the veins acquire a knotty and irregular appearance, protruding above the surface of the skin. This is due to the fact that the walls of the vessels with a regular increase in the load on them become thinner, less elastic, the internal lumen increases. The valves in the veins are unable to regulate blood flow. They lose the ability to close, due to which a reverse flow of blood occurs and part of its volume returns to the vessel, which leads to an even greater expansion.
This process is characterized as venous insufficiency, the development of the disease causes thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins usually spread to the groin. The specified displacement of the pathology leads to congestion in Organs pelvic organs, blood circulation in the iliac veins and inferior vena cava becomes difficult. The appearance of vascular nodules in the groin area worsens the patient's sex life, causes infertility in him.
Not every man can attend to the first external manifestations of the disease, so the doctor often sees a picture of the existing pathology, when the veins are already seriously altered. The occurrence of varicose veins in a representative of 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 the person is sitting or standing;
- overweight, malnutrition;
- high 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 addictions. Regular intake of strong alcohol alters the functioning of the liver, which causes blood clots to form. 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 is a rather long process. Signs of varicose veins in men are observed depending on one of the three stages of development of the disease.
The first of them is characterized by the appearance of a feeling of fatigue in the legs, their swelling. Visible vascular star patterns begin to appear on the skin, they have a pinkish-red color. The subcutaneous location of the veins becomes noticeable - a bluish mesh, called reticular varices. A man notices cramps in the calf muscles, feels pain in the veins, characterizes it as pulsating.
The symptoms of the second stage are more pronounced, it is at this stage that the patient turns to the phlebologist. The patient may complain of many manifestations of the disease:
- increased discomfort in the legs - pain (permanent or periodic), feeling of heaviness and fatigue;
- there is noticeable swelling of the limbs;
- muscle cramps become frequent, have a pronounced painful character;
- varicose nodules are clearly visible, expanded, 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 over the altered veins loses its sensitivity.
The final stage of varicose veins is decompensation. The constant companions of a man during this period are the dangerous consequences of the development of the disease:
- severe swelling of the limbs;
- constant pain of an acute nature;
- the appearance of varicose veins of considerable size, their photo resembles bunches of grapes;
- skin changes due to the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- progression of trophic ulcers that do not heal, appearance of erysipelas, which can lead to sepsis.
treatment methods
The choice of method for treating varicose veins in the legs 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 the patient's life easier, reduce the manifestation of symptoms, is the use of traditional medicine.
conservative methods
In the early stages, it is possible to treat veins in men with drugs using several groups of drugs, the action of which is targeted:
- strengthen the venous walls, giving them elasticity;
- to combat the increase in blood viscosity, reduce its thrombogenic capacity;
- to reduce inflammation.
External medicines increase the effectiveness of treatment - ointments or creams with anticoagulant properties. Its regular use improves blood circulation in the problem area, fights the development of thrombophlebitis and strengthens the veins.
When prescribing drugs, individual characteristics are taken into account, because 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 and dangerous way and does not respond well to drug therapy. The development of medical technologies, their wide use in clinics make it possible to choose the method of invasive surgery for almost every patient. The stage of varicose veins, the characteristics of the state of the vessels and general health determine the choice of a surgical method. Patients are offered:
- sclerotherapy sessions (the procedure must be repeated up to 6 times) - a 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 - the gas is injected into a vein, it has a restorative effect on small vessels.
popular recipes
People have long sought to defeat varicose veins. Folk recipes are passed down through generations to improve the condition of sore feet. At home, a man can use many natural remedies, but they should be used after consultation with the doctor. Experts recommend rubbing tinctures, which are based on alcohol and medicinal components - the fruit of horse chestnut or Kalanchoe. Herbal decoctions are effective, which can be used in two ways - for ingestion or as a base for foot baths or lotions. For recipes, herbs with anti-inflammatory and tonic effects are chosen: nettle, oak leaf, twine or knotweed.
Patients use a wide variety of means, for example, apple cider vinegar is used for therapeutic compresses. Its 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, you should think about changing your lifestyle. To prevent the disease from progressing, you need to use the recommendations:
- carry out regular examinations of the veins, especially with a genetic predisposition to the development of their pathologies;
- refusing heavy physical exertion;
- change the mode of motor activity;
- give up bad habits;
- establish a diet and drink regime, which will contribute to the normalization of body weight.
Observation by a doctor, carrying out various treatment methods under his control, preventive measures allow a man to feel better, reduce the manifestations of dangerous varicose veins.