There is a traditional opinion that varicose veins are a female disease. Carrying a child and giving birth, preferring high-heeled shoes, occupations that involve a long standing, cause this problem to the fairer sex. But medical statistics show that the disease does not bypass men (especially over the age of 40) and is detected in one in four cases to one degree or another.
Characteristics of the disease in men
Varicose veins in 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 exit from the extremities to the required volume. As the disease progresses, the veins acquire a jagged, uneven appearance that protrudes above the surface of the skin. This is due to the fact that the walls of vessels with a regular increase in load on them become thinner, become less elastic, the internal lumen in them increases. The valves in the veins are not able to regulate blood flow. They lose the ability to close, due to which there is a reverse blood reflux and part of its volume returns to the vessel, which leads to even greater expansion.
This process is characterized as venous insufficiency, further development of the disease provokes thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins often spread to the groin. The specified displacement of the pathology leads to congestion in the pelvic organs, blood circulation in the iliac and inferior vena cava becomes difficult. The appearance of vascular nodes in the groin area worsens the sexual life of the patient, provokes infertility in him.
Not everyone can attend the first external manifestations of the disease, so the doctor often sees a picture of existing pathology, when the veins have already been seriously altered. The appearance of varicose veins in a representative of the stronger sex is caused by:
- increase of 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.
Causes of varicose veins in men are often associated with the negative impact of addictions. Regular intake of strong alcohol changes the functioning of the liver, which provokes 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 patterns of vascular stars begin to appear on the skin, they have a pinkish-red color. The subcutaneous location of the veins becomes visible - a bluish mesh, which is called the veins with reticular varicose veins. 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 goes to the phlebologist. The patient may complain of many manifestations of the disease:
- increased discomfort in the legs - pain (permanent or periodic), a feeling of heaviness and fatigue;
- there is noticeable swelling of the limbs;
- muscle cramps become frequent, have a pronounced painful character;
- varicose nodes are clearly visible, enlarged, they can be felt by palpation of tissues 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;
- persistent pain of an acute nature;
- the appearance of varicose veins of considerable size, their photograph resembling bunches of grapes;
- changes in the skin due to the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- progression of non-healing trophic ulcers, the appearance of erysipelas, which can lead to sepsis.
Treatment Methods
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 treatments, either conservative and invasive. Additional measures that can make the patient's life easier, reduce the appearance of symptoms, is the use of traditional medicine.
conservative methods
In the initial stages, it is possible to treat veins in men with medication using several groups of drugs, the action of which is directed:
- to strengthen the venous walls, giving them elasticity;
- to combat increased blood viscosity, to reduce its thrombogenic capacity;
- to reduce inflammation.
External medications increase the effectiveness of treatment - ointments or creams with anticoagulant properties. Their regular use improves blood circulation to the problem area, fights the development of thrombophlebitis and strengthens veins.
When prescribing drugs, individual characteristics are taken into account, because a man may have diseases of other organs. In many cases, the simultaneous use of anti-varicose veins drugs and medications 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 widespread 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 condition of the vessels and the general health determine the choice of a surgical method. Patients are offered:
- sclerotherapy sessions (the procedure should be repeated up to 6 times) - a regenerative drug is injected into the damaged area of the vein, which restores the damaged tissue;
- laser therapy - the ray affects the problem area, destroying the node;
- miniflebectomy - the affected area of the vein is removed through small-diameter punctures;
- Ozone therapy - gas is injected into a vein, it has a regenerative effect on small vessels.
Popular recipes
People have long sought to defeat varicose veins. Popular 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 ingredients - horse chestnut or Kalanchoe fruit. Herbal decoctions are effective, which can be used in two ways - for ingestion or as a base for baths or foot creams. For recipes, choose herbs with anti-inflammatory and tonic effects: nettle, oak leaves, string or knot.
Patients use a wide variety of tools, for example, apple cider vinegar is used for therapeutic compresses. Its choice is justified by antibacterial properties, the composition of vitamins and the content of amino acids, trace elements.
Disease prevention in men
If you notice the first symptoms of varicose veins, you should think about changing your lifestyle. To prevent the progression of the disease, you should use the recommendations:
- perform regular examinations of the veins, especially with a genetic predisposition to the development of their pathologies;
- refuse strenuous physical exercise;
- change the mode of motor activity;
- give up bad habits;
- establishing a diet and drink regime, which will contribute to the normalization of body weight.
Observation by a doctor, performing various methods of treatment under his control, preventive measures allow a man to feel better, reduce the manifestations of dangerous varicose veins.