There is a traditional belief that varicose veins are a gynecological disease. Occupations involving carrying and giving birth, preferring high-heeled shoes, and staying on one's feet for long periods of time cause this problem among members of the fair sex. However, medical statistics show that the disease does not go unnoticed by men (especially over the age of 40) and is found in one in four cases to one degree or another.
Features of the disease in men
In men, as well as in women, varicose veins in the legs are characterized by significant changes associated with the processes of blood stasis and the inability to get the necessary amount out of the extremities. With the development of the disease, the veins acquire a nodular, uneven appearance, protruding above the surface of the skin. This is due to the fact that with a regular increase in load, the walls of the vessels become thinner, less elastic, and their internal lumen increases. Valves in the arteries cannot regulate blood flow. They lose the ability to close, as a result of which there is a reverse reflux of blood, and part of its volume returns to the vein, which leads to further dilation.
This process is characterized as venous insufficiency, the further development of the disease leads to thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins often spread to the groin. The identified dislocation of the pathology leads to obstruction in the pelvic organs, complicating blood circulation in the iliac and inferior vena cava. The appearance of vascular nodules in the groin area worsens the patient's sex life, leading to infertility.
Not every man can participate in the first external manifestations of the disease, so the doctor often sees a picture of the existing pathology when the veins are already severely altered. Causes varicose veins in the stronger sex:
- increased physical activity (work related to lifting and transporting goods, heavy sports, military service);
- a long time when a person is sitting or standing;
- excess weight, nutrition;
- high blood pressure;
- hypothermia of the body;
- abnormal structure of the vascular system due to genetic factors.
The causes of varicose veins in men are often associated with the negative effects of addiction. Regular intake of strong alcohol alters the function of the liver, which leads to the formation of blood clots. Smoking can cause vascular disorders that cause varicose veins to grow.
Stages and symptoms of the disease
Pathological changes in blood vessels are a long process. Symptoms of varicose veins in men depend on one of the three stages of the disease.
The first of them is characterized by fatigue in the legs, their swelling. The vascular star patterns visible on the skin begin to appear, and are pinkish-red in color. The subcutaneous location of the veins is noticeable - a bluish mesh, called reticular varicose veins. A man notices cramps in the calf muscles, feels pain in the veins, characterizes it as a pulsation.
The symptoms of the second stage are more pronounced, at which stage the patient consults a phlebologist. The patient may complain of many manifestations of the disease:
- increased discomfort in the legs - pain (constant or intermittent), a feeling of heaviness and fatigue;
- there is significant swelling of the limbs;
- muscle cramps are frequent, clearly painful in nature;
- varicose nodules are clearly visible, enlarged, can be felt by palpation of tissue or visually;
- dermatitis begins to develop, spots appear, the colors can be different shades - from brown to red;
- loses skin sensitivity on altered veins.
The final stage of varicose veins is decompensation. During this period, a person's constant companions are dangerous consequences of the development of the disease:
- severe swelling of the extremities;
- constant pain of acute nature;
- the appearance of significant varicose veins, their photograph resembles a bunch of grapes;
- skin changes associated with the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- development of non-healing trophic ulcers, the appearance of erysipelas that can cause 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 stage of the disease. Modern medicine offers traditional or conservative and invasive treatments. Additional measures that make life easier for the patient and reduce the symptoms are 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 action-oriented drugs:
- strengthen venous walls, give them elasticity;
- to combat increased blood viscosity, reduce thrombogenic capacity;
- 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 developing thrombophlebitis and strengthens blood vessels.
Individual characteristics are taken into account when prescribing the drug, because a person may have diseases of other organs. In many cases, the simultaneous use of anti-varicose drugs and medications for the treatment of other pathologies is unacceptable.
Invasive treatment
In men, the disease often develops in a careless, dangerous form and does not respond well to drug therapy. The development of medical technologies and their widespread use in clinics allows to choose an invasive surgical method for almost every patient. The stage of varicose veins, the characteristics of the condition of the veins and general health determine the choice of surgical method. Patients are offered:
- sclerotherapy sessions (the procedure should be repeated up to 6 times) - a restorative drug is injected into the damaged area of the vessel, which restores damaged tissue;
- laser therapy - radiation affects the problem area, destroys the node;
- miniflebectomy - the affected area of the vessel 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 long tried to beat varicose veins. Folk recipes to improve the condition of painful feet are passed down from generation to generation. A man can use many natural remedies at home, but it should be used only after consulting a doctor. Experts recommend tinctures for rubbing based on horse chestnut or Kalanchoe fruit - alcohol and medicinal components. Herbal decoctions are effective, they can be used in two ways - as a basis for reception or for foot baths or lotions. Herbs with anti-inflammatory and tonic effect are selected for recipes: nettle, oak leaf, wire or knot.
Patients use a variety of means, for example, apple cider vinegar is used for therapeutic compresses. Its choice is based on its antibacterial properties, vitamin content and the content of amino acids and trace elements.
Disease prevention in men
If the first signs of varicose veins appear, you should consider changing your lifestyle. To prevent the development of the disease, you should use the following recommendations:
- conduct regular vascular examinations, especially with a genetic predisposition to the development of pathologies;
- to give up heavy physical force;
- change the mode of motor activity;
- to give up bad habits;
- Establish a diet and drinking regimen that will help normalize body weight.
Under the supervision of a doctor, the implementation of various treatments under his supervision, preventive measures allow a man to feel better, reduce the appearance of dangerous varicose veins.