There is a traditional opinion that varicose veins are a female disease. Carrying a child and childbirth, preferring high-heeled shoes, professions that involve a long stay standing up cause this problem in the fair sex. But medical statistics show that the disease does not bypass men (especially over 40) and is detected to some extent in one in four cases.
Features of the disease in men
Varicose veins in the legs in both men and women are characterized by noticeable changes associated with the processes of blood stagnation and the impossibility of its outflow from the extremities in the required amount. With the development of the disease, the veins acquire a nodular, uneven appearance and protrude above the surface of the skin. This is due to the fact that with regular increases in the load, the walls of the vessels become thinner, become less elastic, and the internal lumen in them increases. The valves in the veins are unable to regulate blood flow. They lose the ability to close, causing blood to backflow and some of its volume to return into the vessel, resulting in even greater expansion.
This process is called 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 of the pelvic organs, blood flow to the pelvic vein and the inferior vena cava is complicated. The appearance of vascular nodes in the groin worsens the patient's sex life and provokes infertility in him.
Not every man can take care of the first external manifestations of the disease, so the doctor often sees a picture of the existing pathology when the veins are already seriously changed. The appearance 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 when a person is in a sitting or standing position;
- obesity, malnutrition;
- 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 consumption of strong alcohol changes the way the liver works, leading to the formation of blood clots. Smoking can cause vascular disease that leads to the growth of varicose veins.
Stages of the disease and its symptoms
Pathological changes in veins are a rather long process. Signs of varicose veins in men are observed depending on one of the three stages of the 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 appear on the skin, they have a pink-red color. The subcutaneous location of the veins makes itself felt - a bluish mesh, called reticular varicose veins. A man notes spasms in the calf muscles, feels pain in the veins and characterizes them as throbbing.
The symptoms of the second stage are more pronounced, at this stage the patient turns to the phlebologist. The patient can complain of many manifestations of the disease:
- increased discomfort in the legs - pain (permanent or periodic), a feeling of heaviness and fatigue;
- there is a noticeable swelling of the limbs;
- muscle spasms become frequent, have a pronounced painful character;
- varicose veins are clearly visible, expanded, 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;
- constant acute pain;
- the appearance of varicose veins of considerable size, their photo resembles bunches of grapes;
- Changes in the skin due to the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- Progression of non-healing trophic ulcers, occurrence of erysipelas, which can lead to sepsis.
treatment methods
The choice of method of treating varicose veins in the legs in men depends on the assessment of the patient's condition and the diagnosed stage of the disease. Modern medicine offers traditional or conservative and invasive treatments. Additional measures that can make life easier for the patient and reduce the manifestation of symptoms is the use of traditional medicine.
conservative methods
At the initial stage, it is possible to treat veins in men with medication, using several groups of drugs, the action of which is directed:
- to strengthen the vein walls and give them elasticity;
- to combat increased blood viscosity, reduce its thrombogenic ability;
- to reduce inflammation.
External drugs improve 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 veins.
When prescribing drugs, individual characteristics are taken into account, since a man may have diseases of other organs. In many cases, the simultaneous use of drugs for varicose veins and drugs 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 and 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 state of 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, thereby restoring damaged tissues;
- laser therapy - the beam affects the problem area, destroying the node;
- miniphlebectomy - the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe vein is removed through punctures of a small diameter;
- Ozone therapy - gas is injected into a vein, it has a restorative effect on small vessels.
folk recipes
People have long tried to defeat varicose veins. Folk recipes are passed 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 the doctor. Experts recommend rubbing tinctures based on alcohol and medicinal components - the fruit of horse chestnut or Kalanchoe. Effective are herbal decoctions, which can be used in two ways - for ingestion or as a basis for foot baths or lotions. For recipes, herbs with anti-inflammatory and strengthening effects are chosen: nettle, oak leaf, threadweed or knotweed.
Patients use a 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, trace elements.
Prevention of the disease in men
When the first symptoms of varicose veins are noticed, you should think about changing your lifestyle. To prevent the progression of the disease, you must follow the recommendations:
- conduct periodic examinations of the veins, especially in the presence of a genetic predisposition to the development of their pathologies;
- refuse heavy physical exertion;
- change the mode of motor activity;
- give up bad habits;
- establish a diet and drink regimen that will help normalize body weight;
Observation by a doctor, carrying out various methods of treatment under his control, preventive measures allow a man to feel better and reduce the manifestations of dangerous varicose veins.