There is a conventional view that varicose veins are a female disease. Carrying and having children, preferring shoes with high heels, occupations that require standing for long periods of time, create this problem in a fairer sex. But medical statistics show that the disease does not bypass men (especially those over 40) and is detected to some extent in a quarter of cases.
Characteristics of male diseases
Leg varicose veins in both men and women are characterized by marked changes associated with the process of blood stasis and the impossibility of blood flowing from the extremities to the required volume. As the disease progresses, the veins develop a knobby, uneven appearance that protrudes from the surface of the skin. This is because the vessel wall becomes thinner as the load increases, the elasticity becomes less, and the lumen of the vessel increases. The valves in the veins cannot regulate blood flow. They lose their ability to close, so reverse backflow of blood occurs and part of their volume is returned to the vessel, leading to greater dilation.
This process is characterized by venous insufficiency, and further development of the disease triggers thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins often spread to the groin. The specific dislocation of the pathology leads to congestion of the pelvic organs, making the blood circulation of the ilium and inferior vena cava difficult. The appearance of vascular nodes in the groin area worsened the patient's sexual life and triggered his infertility.
Not everyone notices the first external manifestation of the disease, so doctors often see pictures of existing pathology at which point the veins have been severely altered. The reasons for the occurrence of varicose veins are:
- Increased physical activity (work related to lifting and carrying loads, heavy physical activity, military service);
- a person is in a sitting or standing position for an extended period of time;
- overweight, malnourished;
- hypertension;
- hypothermia;
- Structural abnormalities of the vascular system due to genetic factors.
The cause of varicose veins in men is often related to the negative effects of addiction. Regular consumption of strong alcohol can alter the function of the liver, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Smoking can lead to vascular disease, which can lead to the growth of varicose veins.
Stages of the disease and its symptoms
The pathological changes of veins are quite a long process. Signs of varicose veins in men are observed according to one of three stages of disease development.
The first of these is characterized by tired, swollen legs. Visible star patterns of blood vessels begin to appear on the skin, and they are pink. The subcutaneous location of the veins becomes apparent - a network of blue-like structures called reticular varicose veins. One man noticed cramps in the calf muscles and felt pain in the veins, which he described as throbbing.
Symptoms are more pronounced in the second stage, and it is during this stage that the patient turns to a phlebologist. Patients may complain of many manifestations of the disease:
- increased leg discomfort - pain (permanent or periodic), feeling of heaviness and fatigue;
- Significant swelling of the limbs;
- Muscle spasms become frequent, with marked pain characteristics;
- Varicose veins are clearly visible, dilated, and they can be felt by tissue palpation or visually;
- Dermatitis begins to develop, spots appear, their color can be different shades - from brown to red;
- The skin on the altered veins loses sensitivity.
The final stage of varicose veins is decompensation. The constant company of a man during this period is a dangerous consequence of the development of the disease:
- severe swelling of the extremities;
- persistent acute pain;
- The appearance of fairly large varicose veins, their photo resembles a bunch of grapes;
- skin changes due to the development of chronic venous insufficiency;
- The progression of non-healing trophic ulcers, the emergence of erysipelas, can lead to sepsis.
treatment method
The choice of method for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs in men depends on the evaluation of the patient's condition, the stage of diagnosis of the disease. Modern medicine offers traditional or conservative invasive treatments. Other measures that can make life easier for patients and reduce symptoms are the use of traditional medicine.
conservative approach
In the initial stage, the male veins can be treated with several groups of drugs, the effect of which is:
- strengthens the walls of veins, giving them elasticity;
- counteracts increased blood viscosity, reducing its thrombogenic capacity;
- to reduce inflammation.
Treatment may be improved with topical medications - ointments or creams with anticoagulant properties. Using them regularly can improve circulation in problem areas, fight developing thrombophlebitis, and strengthen veins.
Personal characteristics are taken into account when prescribing medication, as a person may have diseases of other organs. In many cases, concomitant use of anti-varicose medications and medications for other medical conditions is not acceptable.
invasive treatment
The disease in men often develops in a neglected and dangerous form and does not respond well to drug treatment. Advances in medical technology and their widespread clinical use have made invasive surgical options an option for almost every patient. The stage of the varicose veins, characteristics of the vascular state, and general health determine the choice of surgical approach. Provide patients with:
- Sclerotherapy (the procedure must be repeated up to 6 times) - regenerative medicine is injected into the damaged area of the vein, restoring the damaged tissue;
- Laser therapy - the beam affects the problem area, destroying the nodes;
- Veneectomy - removal of the affected area of the vein by a small diameter puncture;
- Ozone therapy - gas is injected into a vein, which has a restorative effect on small blood vessels.
folk recipes
People have long sought to beat varicose veins. Folk recipes have been passed down from generation to generation to improve the condition of sore feet. There are many natural remedies available to men at home, but should be used after consulting a doctor. Experts recommend rubbing tinctures based on alcohol and medicinal ingredients - the fruit of horse chestnut or Kalanchoe. Herbal decoctions are effective and can be used in two ways - for ingestion or as the basis for a foot bath or lotion. For recipes, choose herbs that are anti-inflammatory and tonic: nettle, oak leaves, twine, or knotweed.
Patients use a variety of modalities, for example, apple cider vinegar for therapeutic compresses. His choice is justified by antibacterial properties, vitamin composition and amino acid, trace element content.
Prevention of male diseases
If you notice the first symptoms of varicose veins, you should consider lifestyle changes. To prevent disease progression, you need to use the following recommendations:
- regular examination of veins, especially those with a genetic predisposition;
- Refusing strenuous physical exertion;
- change the way you exercise;
- quit bad habits;
- Establish a nutrition and water-drinking regimen that will help normalize your weight.
Observed by a doctor, various treatments under his control, preventive measures make the man feel better and reduce the manifestations of dangerous varicose veins.