Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins at least as often as women, because deformity of the veins can occur anywhere. However, in men, the appearance of a deviation is usually accompanied by severe physical exertion, obesity and pathology of internal organs. If you find a problem, there should be no particular difficulty in how to treat varicose veins in the legs in men, as there are many ways to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms.
Conservative therapy of varicose veins
The veins of the lower extremities can be deformed in any person, regardless of gender. The signs of the development of varicose veins in the legs in men, as well as the methods of treatment, 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 the doctor for help. Men usually go to a specialist when the disease is progressing seriously and surgery is required.
Pathology can affect not only the vessels of the feet. Varicose veins in representatives of the strong half of humanity may be present in the abdomen (for example, due to excess weight), in the testicles (varicocele), in the esophagus and stomach, as well as in the pelvis (PMVMT).
Treating varicose veins of different localization in men with medication is an additional method to combat this 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 treatment, an appointment is described:
- phlebotonics, which increase the tone of the veins, improve blood circulation, eliminate congestion and swelling;
- anticoagulants that reduce the rate of blood clotting, which reduces the risk of blood clots;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve painful sensations and reduce inflammation;
- antioxidants that normalize lipid metabolism, accelerate cell regeneration, normalize blood circulation.
In addition to medicines, patients are prescribed complexes of vitamins and minerals in the form of syrups, tablets and pills, which allows the body to better fight the disease.
Minimally invasive treatments
When the question arises as to how best to treat varicose veins in men, a phlebologist can advise a method that does not require a long stay in the clinic and allows you to achieve a speedy 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 thin needle.
Previously, the doctor finds out why the disease appeared, as determining the cause of varicose veins allows you to competently approach its treatment.
Endothermic ablation
The technique allows you to effectively treat varicose veins in men due to radiofrequency or laser exposure in areas with diseased vessels.
The essence of the procedure is to heat the venous wall using a laser (endovenous laser ablation, EVLA) or high frequency radio wave (RFA) until the vessel is completely closed. Thus, blood begins to circulate through the healthy veins.
The attractiveness of endothermic ablation is due to:
- performing manipulations through small incisions;
- minimal discomfort;
- noticeable attenuation of symptoms.
After RFA, the patient may feel a tingling sensation in the operated area. Intravenous laser treatment sometimes results in hematomas, leg aggravation, and pain. Short-term nerve damage is not ruled out.
Sclerotherapy
If there are contraindications to endothermic ablation, sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy) may be prescribed. Predicts the injection of a chemical (sclerosant) into the vessel, as a result of which the vein also closes.
The technique will be most effective in the presence of a vein affected by varicose veins.
Injected with a thin needle, the solution causes the container to thicken and close completely. A big plus of sclerotherapy is that there is no need for anesthesia.
To avoid repeated blood flow to the treated vessel, dressings with a sclerosing substance are applied, while performing 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 himself.
The minimally invasive procedure, despite the positive effect, does not exclude a relapse and the need for repeated therapy. Among the side effects are often blood clots, headaches, pigmented areas and temporary damage to vision.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
Once you understand if men have varicose veins and what is the reason for its appearance, it is necessary to think about its elimination. If, with a gentle course, drug therapy is sufficient, then 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.
exposure
During surgery, a probe is inserted toward 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 in the probe head with a ligature (special thread), the surgeon carefully removes it.
Usually, such manipulations are done several times, as it is difficult to remove the affected vessel in one step.
Short stripping is a procedure that involves removing only a small portion of a deformed vein.
Contraindications to the intervention:
- high risk of postoperative complications;
- violation of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in the legs;
- blood clots;
- skin infections.
If necessary, undressing is combined with sclerotherapy. This is appropriate if varicose veins are affected by veins of different sizes at the same time.
Miniflebektomia
A common technique that copes well with the symptoms of varicose veins in men. To remove the affected vessel, the surgeon makes a 1-2 mm incision and with a special instrument (Varad's hook) removes the vein, connects it and crosses it. Manipulations are performed using local anesthesia.
Miniphlebectomy is usually prescribed for:
- large diameter of saphenous veins;
- atypical location of varicose veins (for example, in the foot area);
- vessels near the surface of the skin.
Surgery is prohibited for patients with high blood pressure, ischemia of the heart, trophic ulcers and infectious skin lesions.
Men who delay the surgical method of treatment may develop diseases of the cardiovascular system, serious pathology of veins and blood vessels.
This technique has many advantages:
- minimal trauma;
- high performance;
- lack of wounds;
- a short rehabilitation period.
In rare cases, bruising, hemorrhage, thrombosis appear after the procedure. During the course of the removed container, the skin color may change for a short time.
Transilluminative phlebectomy
It is a modern hardware method for eliminating varicose veins in the legs. The anesthesia used is general or local. The vein is removed with one or two small punctures, while an instrument is inserted with an integrated cold light source, which makes it possible to distinguish between varicose nodes.
However, practice shows that such a technique can cause many complications due to quite severe manipulations performed inside the vein.
In particular, such an intervention can result in seals, hematomas, lymph nodes, 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. To properly perform therapy at home, it is necessary to coordinate it with a phlebologist.
He will tell you which methods will be most effective and safest, and which are the best to adhere to.
Use of Data
The plant thoroughly cleanses blood vessels, promotes 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 drugs from the drug without the knowledge of the doctor.
Recipe and how to use the tincture:
- crushed seeds 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 should be shaken periodically;
- the initial dose is 15 drops, diluted in half a glass of water, once a day 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 compresses. For this, cotton wool is soaked in a solution, diluted with water, applied to diseased areas, covered with a film and fixed with a bandage. For the procedure, the same dose of the drug is taken as for internal use.
Honey, garlic and lemon
It is difficult to overestimate the beneficial properties of this combination of products, 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 vasodilating properties. Eliminates cholesterol accumulations, affects the rhythm of metabolism 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 lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is an excellent remedy for improving the elasticity of blood vessels.
Examples of recipes:
- The lemons should be passed through a meat grinder twice along with the skin and all the contents (5 pieces) as well as the garlic (5-6 cloves). The mixture is mixed with honey (500 g) and placed in a glass container. For treatment, you should use 1 tablespoon 2 times a day. a mixture previously diluted in 1 glass of water.
- The mixture prepared by the above method should 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 tablespoon. l. diluted 2 times a day.
Remember that these products can cause unwanted reactions. It is undesirable to use them for allergies, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids, renal failure, diseases of the genitourinary system.
Green tomatoes
Traditional medicine suggests the application of green tomato slices to sore veins. This should be done overnight for a long period. 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 blockage of the vascular lumen.
It is beneficial not only to use tomatoes for compresses, but also to eat them regularly.
Treatment of nettle
The composition of the plant determines its tonic and tonic properties. Nettle reduces blood viscosity, thus ensuring its normal circulation. It removes congestion, accelerates regenerative processes and prevents the appearance of cholesterol accumulations.
Ways to use nettle:
- The leaves (1 tablespoon. L. ) Place in a bowl, fill with water (200 ml) and put on fire. After cooking, the stove should be turned off. The cooled liquid is filtered and drunk three times a day 20 minutes before eating.
- Dried plant (6 tablespoons. L. ) 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 tablespoon. l. 3 times a day and 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 standing, many other popular remedies will help:
- The sour milk is mixed with the chopped wormwood in a smooth state. The mixture is applied to gauze and applied to problem areas overnight. After 5 days of therapy, a break is made.
- Ground nutmeg (1 tablespoon) is poured with boiling water (1 glass) and honey (1 tablespoon) is added. The drink is drunk 30 minutes after insisting one hour before eating, and then after another 2 hours.
- For the solution, you need to pour alcohol (0, 5 l) horse chestnut flowers (50 g) and leave to inject for 2 weeks. Drugs are shaken every day. Reception scheme - three times a day, 1 tbsp. l. , washed with water.
An important point: nutmeg is able to relieve painful discomfort and speed up the healing of trophic ulcers. However, non-compliance with the norm can provoke dangerous consequences. It is allowed to take no more than 3-5 g at a time.
External use treatment
With varicose veins of the lower extremities therapy with external agents is recommended. It is beneficial for men with diseased vessels on the feet to use ointments and gels, which are especially good at 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 different. And to cope with the signs of the disease, which become more pronounced with its progression, phlebologists advise to act in a complex way.
In other words, patients with deformed veins in the legs should supplement medication therapy by wearing compression stockings, performing a variety of exercises, and massage procedures.
Gymnastics
Physiotherapy exercises, although not completely eliminate pathological manifestations, but significantly improve the condition of the veins. It is necessary to train not only in the presence of an illness. Gymnastics is an excellent prevention of varicose veins in men.
The main thing is that the 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 cycling while you are on the floor or in bed. After 30 rotations of the legs, you should rest a bit.
- Sitting in a chair, alternately lift the socks, then the heel (20-30 times).
- Lying on your back with your legs outstretched, bend-untie your toes (20 repetitions).
- Walk on tiptoe in several approaches. You can just stand firm.
An excellent solution is daily cycling in the fresh air. As a last resort, an exercise bike at the gym or at home will do.
Massage
Of course, there is no longer any doubt whether men have varicose veins. Therefore, they also need a competent approach to treating the pathology. In terms of massage, a correctly performed procedure helps reduce pain in the lower extremities and improve blood circulation.
A similar method of treating a violation is most effective at that stage of the disease when there are no pronounced symptoms.
Contraindications:
- injuries, cuts on the skin of the feet;
- feverish condition;
- 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 ointment against varicose veins is applied.
The massage should be done regularly, only then the first effect will appear.
The fight against the signs of varicose veins is carried out using:
- blow from the ankle to the knee;
- circular movements in the lower part of the foot;
- 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, remove the feeling of heaviness and fatigue, as well as avoid the progression of pathology.
Manufacturers produce lingerie for both women and the stronger sex.
The medical jersey is presented by the products in the form of:
- golf;
- socks;
- geta.
One or another option is chosen taking into account the location of the deformed vessels.
Furthermore, the stage of the disease is important:
- With initial signs, knee heights with compression velocities not higher than 21 mm Hg are appropriate. Art.
- Progressive varicose veins and thrombophlebitis require the use of stockings from varicose veins 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 knitwear 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. rt. Art.
To prevent the occurrence of a violation, in particular, in the postoperative period, the use of prophylactic knitwear (15-18 mm Hg) is recommended.
Varicose veins in men are quite treatable if you go to the phlebologist in time. The longer the disease is present and the more intense its symptoms, the higher the risk of dangerous complications.