It is traditionally believed that varicose veins are a female disease. Childbirth and childbirth, the preference for high-heeled shoes, and occupations that require long standing still cause this problem among the better sex. But medical statistics show that the disease does not bypass men (especially over the age of 40) and is detected to some degree in every fourth case.
Characteristics of the disease in men
The varicose veins in the legs of men and women are characterized by noticeable changes associated with the stagnation of blood and the outflow of the required amount from the limbs. With the onset of the disease, the veins are nodular, uneven in appearance, rising above the surface of the skin. This is due to the fact that the walls of the vessels become thinner with less regular increase in the load on them, the inner lumen increases. The keys in the veins are unable to regulate blood flow. They lose their ability to close, which results in the reverse reflux of blood and some of its volume returning to the vessel, leading to even greater dilation.
This process is characterized as venous insufficiency, further progression of the disease provokes thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins often extend to the groin. The specific dislocation of the pathology leads to congestion in the pelvic organs, and blood circulation in the iliac and inferior vena cava is impaired. The appearance of vascular nodules in the lumbar region impairs the patient's sexual life and causes infertility.
Not all people are able to care for the first external manifestation of the disease, so the doctor often sees the existing pathology when the veins have changed severely. The occurrence of varicose veins in the stronger sex is caused by:
- increased physical activity (work related to lifting and transporting loads, heavy sports, military service);
- for a long time when a person is sitting or standing;
- overweight, malnutrition;
- hypertension;
- hypothermia of the body;
- abnormal structure of the vascular system due to genetic factors.
The causes of varicose veins in men are often linked to the negative effects of addiction. Regular consumption of strong alcohol alters liver function, causing blood clots. Smoking can cause vascular disorders that lead to an increase in varicose veins.
Stages and symptoms of the disease
Pathological changes in the veins are a rather long process. In men, signs of varicose veins can be observed depending on one of three stages in the development of the disease.
The first is characterized by a feeling of tiredness in the legs, swelling. Vascular stellar patterns visible on the skin begin to appear, pinkish-red in color. The subcutaneous location of the veins becomes noticeable - a bluish network called reticular varicose veins. The man perceives cramps in the calf muscle, feels pain in the veins, characterizes him as a pulsator.
The symptoms of the second stage are more pronounced, at which stage the patient turns to the phlebologist. The patient may complain of several manifestations of the disease:
- increased discomfort in the legs - feeling of pain (persistent or intermittent), heaviness and tiredness;
- swelling of the limbs is noticeable;
- muscle cramps become common, markedly painful;
- the varicose nodes are clearly visible, enlarged, tactile or visually perceptible;
- dermatitis begins to appear, spots appear, their color can be different shades - from brown to red;
- the skin above the altered veins loses its sensitivity.
The final stage of varicose veins is decompensation. The dangerous consequences of the development of the disease during this period are:
- severe swelling of the limbs;
- persistent acute pain;
- appearance of large varicose veins, their photograph resembling bunches of grapes;
- skin lesions due to the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- progression of incurable trophic ulcers, appearance of erysipelas, which may lead to sepsis.
Treatment methods
The choice of method for treating varicose veins 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 the patient’s life easier, reduce the onset of symptoms, use traditional medicine.
conservative methods
In the initial phase, men's veins can be treated with medicines using several groups of medicines that work to:
- strengthens venous walls, giving them flexibility;
- to overcome increased blood viscosity, reduce its ability to thrombogen;
- to reduce inflammation.
External medications increase the effectiveness of the treatment - ointments or creams with anticoagulant properties. Their regular use improves blood circulation in the problem area, fights the developing thrombophlebitis, strengthens the veins.
Individual characteristics are taken into account when prescribing drugs, as a person may also have diseases of other organs. In many cases, the concomitant 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, dangerous form and does not respond well to drug therapy. The development and clinical spread of medical technologies make it possible to choose the method of invasive surgery for almost all patients. The stage of varicose veins, the characteristics of the condition of the blood vessels, and the general state of health determine the choice of surgical method. Patients are offered:
- sclerotherapy sessions (the procedure must be repeated up to 6 times) - a regenerative medicine is injected into the injured area of the vein, which restores the damaged tissues;
- laser therapy - the beam affects the problem area, destroying the node;
- miniflebectomy - the affected area of the vein is removed by a small diameter puncture;
- ozone therapy - gas is injected into a vein, it has a restorative effect on small blood vessels.
Folk recipes
People have long been trying to overcome varicose veins. Folk recipes are inherited between generations to improve the condition of sore feet. At home, a man can use a number of natural remedies, but these should be used after consulting a doctor. Experts recommend tinctures for rubbing, 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 swallowing, or as a base for foot baths and body lotions. For the recipes, anti-inflammatory and tonic herbs are chosen: nettle, oak leaves, string or knotweed.
Patients use a variety of devices, such as apple cider vinegar for therapeutic compresses. Its choice is justified by its antibacterial properties, vitamin composition and amino acid and microelement content.
Prevention of the disease in men
If you notice the first symptoms of varicose veins, it is worth thinking about a lifestyle change. Follow the recommendations to prevent the disease from progressing:
- perform regular examinations of veins, especially if there is a genetic predisposition to their pathology;
- refuses to exercise hard;
- modify the mode of motor activity;
- stop bad habits;
- adjust your diet and drinking routine to help normalize your body weight.
Under the supervision of a doctor, the implementation of various treatment methods under his guidance, preventive measures allow a person to feel better, reduce the manifestations of dangerous varicose veins.