There is a traditional view that varicose veins are a disease of women. Carrying children and giving birth, liking to wear high heels, occupations that involve standing for long periods of time, are to blame for this problem among people who are more equal in terms of gender. But medical statistics show that the disease does not surpass men (especially over 40 years old) and is detected in one in four cases to one degree or another.
Characteristics of the disease in men
Varicose veins of the legs, in men as well as in women, are characterized by noticeable changes associated with stagnation of blood and the inability to exit the extremities with the required volume. With the development of the disease, the veins take on the form of a knot, uneven, protrude above the surface of the skin. This is because the walls of the vessels subjected to constantly increased loads they become thinner, become less elastic, the lumen inside them increases. Valves in the veins cannot regulate blood flow. They lose their ability to close, so blood is regurgitated and some of its volume returns to the vessel, resulting in an even greater dilation.
This process is characterized as venous insufficiency, the further development of the disease causes thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins often extend into the groin. The displacement of the pathology leads to obstruction of the pelvic organs, the circulation of blood in the pelvis and inferior vena cava becomes difficult. The appearance of vascular nodes in the inguinal region worsens the sex life of the patient, causing infertility in him.
Not every man can observe the first outward manifestations of the disease, so the doctor often looks at the existing pathology, when the veins have been severely altered. The appearance of varicose veins in a representative of the stronger sex is due to:
- increased physical activity (work involving lifting and carrying, heavy sports, military service);
- long periods of time when a person is in a sitting or standing position;
- overweight, malnutrition;
- High Blood Pressure;
- hypothermia of the body;
- Abnormal structure of the vascular system due to genetic factors.
The cause of varicocele in men is often related to the negative effects of addictions. Regular heavy drinking changes the function of the liver, leading to the formation of blood clots. Smoking can cause vascular disorders that lead to the development of varicose veins.
Stages of the disease and its symptoms
Pathological changes in the veins are a rather lengthy process. Signs of varicocele in men depend on one of three stages of development of the disease.
The first of them is the manifestation of a feeling of leg fatigue and edema. Visible vascular star patterns begin to appear on the skin, which are pinkish-red in color. The subcutaneous location of the veins becomes noticeable - a blue mesh, which is called reticular varicose veins. A man noted cramps in the calf muscles, felt pain in the veins, characteristic of which was vibration.
The symptoms of stage two are more obvious, that is, at this stage, the patient turns to a phlebologist. Patients may complain of a variety of symptoms:
- increased discomfort in the legs - pain (permanent or recurring), feeling of heaviness and fatigue;
- there is noticeable swelling of the extremities;
- muscle cramps become frequent, have a pronounced painful character;
- Varicose veins are clearly visible, enlarged, they can be felt by touching the tissue or with the naked eye;
- dermatitis begins to develop, spots appear, their color can have different shades - from brown to red;
- The skin on the veins is changed to lose its sensitivity.
The final stage of varicose veins is the decompensated phase. The frequent companions of a man during this period are dangerous consequences of the development of the disease:
- severe edema of the extremities;
- constant pain of an acute nature;
- the appearance of veins of considerable size, the photo of which resembles bunches of grapes;
- changes in the skin due to the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- progression of non-healing trophic ulcers, the appearance of dark circles, which can lead to sepsis.
Treatments
The choice of treatment method for varicose veins in the legs in men depends on the assessment of the patient's condition, the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Modern medicine offers traditional or conservative and invasive treatments. Additional measures can make the patient's life easier, reduce the manifestations of symptoms, that is, the use of traditional medicine.
conservative method
In the early stages, it is possible to treat varicose veins in men with drugs using several groups of drugs, the action of which is guided:
- strengthens the walls of veins, gives them elasticity;
- to combat an increase in blood viscosity, reducing its ability to clot;
- to reduce inflammation.
External drugs enhance the therapeutic effect - ointments or creams with anticoagulant properties. Their regular use improves blood circulation in the problem area, fights against developing thrombophlebitis and strengthens the veins.
When prescribing the drug, individual characteristics are taken into account, since a man can develop diseases of other organs. In many cases, the simultaneous use of anti-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 treatment. Advances in medical technologies and their widespread use in clinics have made it possible for almost any patient to opt for invasive surgery. The stage of varicose veins, the characteristics of the state of the vessels and general health determine the choice of a surgical method. Patients are offered:
- therapeutic therapy (the procedure must be repeated up to 6 times) - a regenerative drug is injected into the damaged area of the vein, which helps to restore damaged tissues;
- laser therapy - the beam affects the problem area, destroys the node;
- miniphlebectomy - the affected area of the vein is removed through punctures of small diameter;
- Ozone therapy - gas is injected into a vein, it has a revitalizing effect on small vessels.
Folk recipes
People have long sought to beat varicose veins. Folk recipes have been passed down for generations to improve foot pain. At home, a man can use many natural remedies, but they should be used after consulting a doctor. Experts recommend rubbing alcohol for massage, which is made from alcohol and medicinal ingredients - the fruit of horse chestnut or Kalanchoe. Herbal decoction is effective, can be used in two ways - for drinking or as a base for a foot bath or lotion. For recipes, herbs with anti-inflammatory and tonic effects are selected: nettle, oak leaf, cordage or ha shou wu.
Patients use various means, for example, apple cider vinegar is used for therapeutic compresses. His choice is justified by antibacterial properties, vitamin composition and content of amino acids and trace elements.
Prevention of diseases in men
If you notice the first symptoms of varicose veins, you should think about making lifestyle changes. To prevent the disease from progressing, you need to apply the following recommendations:
- conduct regular examination of the veins, especially with a genetic predisposition to the development of their pathologies;
- refuses heavy physical exertion;
- change the mode of locomotion activities;
- give up bad habits;
- establish a nutritional and drinking regimen, which will contribute to the normalization of body weight.
Observed by the doctor, carrying out a variety of treatments under his control, preventive measures allow the man to feel better, reducing the manifestations of dangerous varicose veins.