Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins at least as often as women, because deformation of the veins can occur anywhere. However, in men, the appearance of a deviation is usually associated with heavy physical exertion, obesity and pathologies of internal organs. If a problem is found, there should not be any particular difficulties with how to treat varicose veins on the legs in men, since there are many ways to get rid of unpleasant symptoms.
Conservative therapy of varicose veins
The veins of the lower extremities can be deformed in any person, regardless of gender. The signs of developing varicose veins of the legs in men, as well as the methods of treatment, are similar to those in women.
The difference lies in the fact that ladies pay more attention to their health and appearance, therefore they often turn to a doctor for help. Men usually go to a specialist when the disease is seriously progressing and surgery is required.
Pathology can affect not only the vessels of the legs. Varicose veins in representatives of a strong half of humanity can be present on the abdomen (for example, due to excess weight), on the testes (varicocele), in the esophagus and stomach, and also in the small pelvis (PMVMT).
Treatment of varicose veins of various localization in men with medication is an additional method of combating the disorder. Medication can help relieve symptoms, especially in the early stages.
When prescribing drugs, it is important to consider their compatibility, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.
If we talk about the first type of medication, an appointment is prescribed:
- phlebotonics, which increase venous tone, improve blood flow, eliminate congestion and swelling;
- anticoagulants that reduce blood clotting rates, which reduces the risk of blood clots;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that remove painful sensations and weaken inflammation;
- antioxidants that normalize lipid metabolism, accelerate cell regeneration, normalize blood circulation.
In addition to medicines, patients are prescribed vitamin and mineral complexes in the form of syrups, tablets and pills, which allows the body to better fight the disease.
Minimally invasive treatments
When the question arises about how best to treat varicose veins on the legs in men, a phlebologist can advise a method that does not require a long stay in the clinic and allows you to achieve a quick recovery.
We are talking about a minimally invasive intervention, which provides for the elimination of the violation under local anesthesia:
- endothermic ablation;
- sclerotherapy.
The advantage of this approach is that it is painless and less traumatic. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the affected area or an injection with a thin needle.
Previously, the doctor finds out why the disease appeared, since determining the cause of varicose veins allows you to competently approach its treatment.
Endothermic ablation
The technique allows you to effectively deal with varicose veins in men due to radiofrequency or laser exposure to areas with diseased vessels.
The essence of the procedure is to heat the venous wall using a laser (endovenous laser ablation, EVLA) or high-frequency radio waves (RFA) until the vessel is completely sealed. Thus, blood begins to circulate through healthy veins.
The attractiveness of endothermic ablation is due to:
- carrying out manipulations through small incisions;
- minimal discomfort;
- significant weakening of symptoms.
After RFA, the patient may feel a tingling sensation in the operated area. Intravenous laser treatment sometimes results in hematomas, heaviness in the legs and soreness. Short-term nerve damage is not excluded.
Sclerotherapy
If there are contraindications to endothermic ablation, sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy) may be prescribed. It provides for the injection of a chemical substance (sclerosant) into the vessel, as a result of which the vein is also sealed.
The technique will be most effective in the presence of one vein affected by varicose veins.
Injected with a thin needle, the solution causes the vessel to thicken and close completely. A big plus of sclerotherapy is that there is no need for an anesthetic.
To avoid repeated blood flow to the treated vessel, dressings with a sclerosing substance are applied, while it is recommended to perform special gymnastics.
The choice of the method of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the number of varicose veins, and the wishes of the patient himself.
The minimally invasive procedure, despite the positive effect, does not exclude a relapse and the need for repeated therapy. Among the side effects, blood clots, headaches, pigmented areas, and temporary visual impairment are often noted.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
Having figured out whether men have varicose veins and what is the reason for its appearance, it is necessary to think about its elimination. If, with a mild course, drug therapy is sufficient, then severe cases require serious surgical intervention.
Conservative treatment and techniques with minimal tissue damage will be ineffective if varicose veins in men are accompanied by a significant worsening of symptoms and complications.
Stripping
During the operation, a probe is inserted towards the foot through an incision in the proximal end of the venous vessel of the diseased leg, after which another incision is made in the region of the distal end of the vessel. Having secured the vein to the probe head with a ligature (special thread), the surgeon gently pulls it out.
Usually, such manipulations are done several times, since it is difficult to remove the affected vessel in one step.
Short stripping is a procedure that involves removing only a small section of a deformed vein.
Contraindications to intervention:
- high risk of complications after surgery;
- violation of blood circulation and lymph drainage in the legs;
- blood clots;
- skin infections.
If necessary, stripping is combined with sclerotherapy. This is appropriate if varicose veins are simultaneously affected by veins of different sizes.
Miniflebectomy
A common technique that copes well with the symptoms of leg varicose veins in men. To remove the affected vessel, the surgeon makes a 1-2 mm incision and with a special instrument (Varadi's hook) brings the vein out, ties it up and crosses it. Manipulations are performed using local anesthesia.
Usually miniflebectomy is prescribed for:
- large diameter of the saphenous veins;
- atypical location of varicose veins (for example, in the area of the foot);
- vessels close to the surface of the skin.
The operation is prohibited for patients with high blood pressure, heart ischemia, trophic ulcers, and infectious skin lesions.
Men who delay with the surgical method of treatment may develop diseases of the cardiovascular system, serious pathologies of the veins and blood vessels.
This technique has many advantages:
- minimal trauma;
- high performance;
- lack of scars;
- a short rehabilitation period.
In rare cases, bruises, hemorrhages, thrombosis appear after the procedure. In the course of the removed vessel, the skin color may change for a short time.
Transillumination phlebectomy
It is a modern hardware method for eliminating varicose veins on the legs. The anesthesia used is general or local. The vein is removed through one or two small punctures, while an instrument is inserted with a built-in cold light source, which makes it possible to distinguish between varicose nodes.
However, practice shows that such a technique can cause many complications due to rather gross manipulations carried out inside the vein.
In particular, such an intervention can result in seals, hematomas, lymphorrhea, skin hyperpigmentation, and neurological disorders.
Traditional methods of treatment
One of the directions of alternative medicine is treatment with folk remedies. Naturally, their use will be effective in the initial stages of varicose veins. In order to correctly carry out therapy at home, it is imperative to coordinate it with a phlebologist.
He will tell you which methods will be the most effective and safe, and which are best to refrain from.
Datura use
The plant cleans blood vessels well, promotes resorption of blood clots, improves metabolism and blood circulation. However, it is important to remember: its seeds are poisonous, therefore, it is dangerous to use drugs from dope without the knowledge of the doctor.
Recipe and method of using the tincture:
- seeds crushed in a coffee grinder (80-100 g) are poured with vodka (0. 5 l) and placed in a dark place for 2 weeks, while the container must be shaken periodically;
- the initial dosage is 15 drops, diluted in half a glass of water, once a day before meals;
- daily dosage is increased by 1-2 drops to 25;
- the duration of therapy is a month.
Datura is also suitable for compresses. For this, cotton wool is moistened in a tincture, diluted with water, applied to the diseased areas, covered with a film and fixed with a bandage. For the procedure, the same dosage of the drug is taken as for internal use.
Honey, garlic and lemon
It is difficult to overestimate the beneficial properties of this combination of products, often referred to as the elixir of youth. They are used both individually and together, which only enhances the effect.
For example, honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties. It eliminates cholesterol accumulations, affects the metabolic rate and removes toxins.
Lemon contains a lot of ascorbic acid. Thanks to him, the work of the circulatory system is normalized and cholesterol plaques are absorbed.
Garlic is known for its ability to fight infections and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is an excellent remedy for improving vascular elasticity.
Examples of recipes:
- Lemons should be passed through a meat grinder twice along with the skin and all contents (5 pcs. ), As well as garlic (5-6 cloves). The gruel is mixed with honey (500 g) and placed in a glass container. For treatment, you need to use 1 tsp 2 times a day. a mixture previously diluted in 1 glass of water.
- The mixture prepared in the above way must be transferred to a 3 liter jar and completely filled with warm boiled water. The container is placed in the refrigerator for 10 days. Before use, the liquid is filtered and taken in 1 tbsp. l. diluted 2 times a day.
Do not forget that these products can cause unwanted reactions. It is undesirable to use them for allergies, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids, renal failure, diseases of the genitourinary system.
Green tomatoes
Traditional medicine suggests applying slices of green tomatoes to sore veins. This should be done at night for a long period. The secret of the method lies in the content of lycopene, an antioxidant that increases the elasticity of blood vessels and protects them from the influence of free radicals.
The substance prevents the oxidation of low density lipoproteins, which is the cause of the formation of cholesterol plaques and blockage of the vascular lumen.
It is useful not only to use tomatoes for compresses, but also to eat them regularly.
Nettle treatment
The composition of the plant determines its strengthening and tonic properties. Nettle reduces the viscosity of the blood, thus ensuring its normal circulation. It removes congestion, accelerates regenerative processes and prevents the appearance of cholesterol accumulations.
Ways to use nettle:
- Leaves (1 tbsp. L. ) Are placed in a container, filled with water (200 ml) and put on fire. After boiling, the stove must be turned off. The cooled broth is filtered and drunk three times a day 20 minutes before meals.
- The dried plant (6 tbsp. L. ) Must be poured with vodka (0. 5 l) and left in a dark place for 2 days. The tincture is taken before meals for 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day, and also used for compresses.
The first positive results can be observed only after 2-3 months, but the course should last much longer.
Nettle-based products are contraindicated in patients suffering from allergic reactions, diabetes mellitus, trophic ulcers, high blood pressure.
Other recipes
If there is a characteristic symptomatology that accompanies varicose veins in men on the legs, many other folk remedies will help:
- Sour milk is mixed with chopped wormwood to a mushy state. The mixture is applied to gauze and applied to problem areas overnight. After 5 days of therapy, a break is taken.
- Ground nutmeg (1 tsp) is poured with boiling water (1 glass) and honey (1 tsp) is added. The drink is drunk 30 minutes after insisting an hour before meals, and then after another 2 hours.
- For tincture, you will need to pour alcohol (0. 5 l) with horse chestnut flowers (50 g) and leave to infuse for 2 weeks. Every day the drug is shaken up. Reception scheme - three times a day, 1 tbsp. l. , washed down with water.
An important point: nutmeg is able to relieve painful discomfort and accelerate the healing of trophic ulcers. However, non-compliance with the norm can provoke dangerous consequences. It is allowed to take no more than 3-5 g at a time.
Treatment by means of external use
With varicose veins of the lower extremities, therapy with external agents is recommended. It is useful for men with diseased vessels on their legs to use ointments and gels, which are especially good at eliminating the initial manifestations of an unpleasant disease.
Compared to ointments, gels have a lighter consistency, which allows them to be quickly absorbed into the skin, delivering healing substances to the affected area in a short time.
Alternative treatments
Both women and men suffer from the development of varicose veins, while the causes of the disorder are very diverse. And in order to cope with the signs of the disease, which become more pronounced as it progresses, phlebologists advise to act in a complex manner.
In other words, patients with deformed veins in the legs should supplement drug therapy by wearing compression hosiery, performing a number of exercises and massage procedures.
Gymnastics
Physiotherapy exercises, although it does not completely eliminate pathological manifestations, but it significantly improves the condition of the veins. It is necessary to train not only in the presence of a disease. Gymnastics is an excellent prevention of varicose veins in the legs in men.
The main thing is that the exercises are selected by a phlebologist, since it is important to take into account the severity of the disease, concomitant pathologies and other factors.
With varicose veins, it is useful to do the following:
- Simulate cycling while on the floor or in bed. After 30 leg rotations, you need to arrange a little rest.
- Sitting on a chair, alternately raise the socks, then the heels (20-30 times).
- Lying on your back with outstretched legs, bend-unbend the toes (20 reps).
- Walk on tiptoes in several approaches. You can just stay put.
A great solution is daily cycling in the fresh air. As a last resort, an exercise bike in the gym or at home will do.
Massage
Surely, there is no longer any doubt about whether men have varicose veins. Accordingly, they also need a competent approach to the treatment of pathology. As for massage, a correctly performed procedure helps to reduce pain in the lower extremities and improve blood circulation.
A similar method of dealing with a violation is most effective at that stage of the disease when there are no pronounced symptoms.
Contraindications:
- injuries, cuts on the skin of the legs;
- feverish condition;
- inflammatory or infectious process;
- thrombophlebitis.
It is advisable to entrust the massage to a qualified specialist. If a man decides to do the procedure on his own, it is important to be extremely careful.
Before the session, it is necessary to hold the legs in an elevated position, after which an anti-varicose ointment is applied.
Massage must be attended regularly, only then the first effect will appear.
The fight against signs of varicose veins is carried out using:
- stroking from the ankle to the knee;
- circular movements in the lower leg;
- intensive massaging of the thigh;
- circular and zigzag movements in the lumbar region.
At the end of the procedure, stockings are put on or an elastic bandage is used.
Compression underwear
Wearing knitwear with compression properties allows you to evenly distribute the load on the lower extremities, remove the feeling of heaviness and fatigue, and also avoid the progression of pathology.
Manufacturers produce lingerie for both women and the stronger sex.
Medical jersey is presented by products in the form of:
- golf;
- stocking;
- tights.
One or another option is selected taking into account the location of the deformed vessels.
In addition, the stage of the disease matters:
- With initial signs, knee-highs with compression rates not higher than 21 mm Hg are suitable. Art.
- Progressive varicose veins and thrombophlebitis require the use of varicose veins stockings for men with a pressure of up to 32 mm Hg. Art. They are also prescribed after surgery.
- If there is lymphovenous insufficiency, trophic disorders, the use of category 3 knitwear is indicated (pressure indicator - up to 46 mm Hg).
- In the presence of a severe form of pathology, accompanied by thrombosis and lymphedema, you should wear underwear with compression of 49 mm or more. rt. Art.
To prevent the appearance of a violation, in particular, in the postoperative period, it is recommended to use prophylactic knitwear (15-18 mm Hg).
Varicose veins in men are quite treatable if you turn to a phlebologist in time. The longer the disease is present and the more intense its symptoms, the higher the risk of dangerous complications.