Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins at least as often as women, since 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 you are having any problem, there shouldn't be any particular difficulty in how to treat varicose veins on the legs in men, as there are many ways to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins
The veins of the lower extremities can be deformed in any person, regardless of gender. The signs of the development of varicose veins of the legs in men, as well as the methods of treatment, are similar to those in women.
The difference is that women pay more attention to their health and appearance, so they often turn to a doctor for help. Men usually see a specialist when the disease progresses seriously and surgery is needed.
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, as well as in the small basin (PMVMT).
Treatment of varicose veins of various localizations in men with drugs is an additional method of combating the disease. Medication can help relieve symptoms, especially in the early stages.
When prescribing drugs, it is important to take into account their compatibility, otherwise you can achieve the opposite effect.
If we are talking about the first type of drug, an appointment is prescribed:
- phlebotonics, which increase venous tone, improve blood circulation, remove congestion and swelling;
- anticoagulants which reduce the rate of blood clotting, which reduces the risk of blood clots;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that eliminate painful sensations and weaken inflammation;
- antioxidants that normalize lipid metabolism, accelerate cell regeneration, normalize blood circulation.
In addition to medication, patients are prescribed vitamin and mineral complexes in the form of syrups, tablets and pills, which allow the body to better fight the disease.
Minimally invasive treatments
When the question arises of how best to treat varicose veins on the legs in men, a phlebologist can advise you on a method that does not require a long stay in the clinic and allows you to recover quickly.
We are talking about a minimally invasive intervention that 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 fine needle.
Previously, the doctor finds out why the disease appeared, because determining the cause of varicose veins allows you to competently approach its treatment.
Endothermic ablation
The technique allows you to effectively treat 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:
- perform 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 causes bruising, heaviness in the legs and muscle stiffness. 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 (sclerosing) into the vessel, as a result of which the vein is also sealed.
The technique will be more effective in the presence of a vein affected by varicose veins.
Injected with a fine needle, the solution causes the thickening and complete closure of the vessel. A big plus of sclerotherapy is that there is no need for anesthesia.
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 treatment. Side effects often include blood clots, headaches, pigmented areas, and temporary visual impairment.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
Having determined whether men have varicose veins and what is the reason for their appearance, it is necessary to think about their elimination. If, with a light course, drug therapy is sufficient, then severe cases require serious surgery.
Conservative treatment and techniques with minimal tissue damage will be ineffective if varicose veins in men are accompanied by 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. After securing the vein to the lead head with a ligature (special thread), the surgeon gently removes it.
Usually, such manipulations are carried out several times, since it is difficult to remove the affected vessel in one step.
Short stripping is a procedure that removes only a small section of a deformed vein.
Contraindications to the intervention:
- high risk of complications after surgery;
- violation of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in the legs;
- blood clots;
- skin infections.
If necessary, stripping is combined with sclerotherapy. This is appropriate if the varicose veins are simultaneously affected by veins of different sizes.
Miniflebectomy
A common technique that well manages the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs in men. To remove the affected vessel, the surgeon makes a 1 to 2 mm incision and with a special instrument (Varadi's hook) exits the vein, ligates and crosses it. The manipulations are performed under local anesthesia.
Usually, miniflebectomy is prescribed for:
- large diameter of saphenous veins;
- atypical localization of varicose veins (for example, in the foot area);
- vessels close to the surface of the skin.
The operation is prohibited for patients with arterial hypertension, cardiac ischemia, trophic ulcers and infectious skin lesions.
Men who delay surgical treatment can 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 period of rehabilitation.
In rare cases, bruising, bleeding, thrombosis appears after the procedure. During the removed vessel, the color of the skin may change for a short time.
Transillumination phlebectomy
It is a modern material method of removing varicose veins on the legs. The anesthesia used is general or local. The vein is removed with one or two small punctures, while an instrument is inserted with a built-in cold light source, which helps distinguish varicose nodes.
However, practice shows that such a technique can lead to many complications due to rather rough manipulations carried out inside the vein.
In particular, such an intervention can lead to seals, hematomas, lymphorrhea, hyperpigmentation of the skin 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 early stages of varicose veins. In order to properly carry out therapy at home, it is imperative to coordinate it with a phlebologist.
It will tell you which methods will be the most effective and the safest, and which are the best to avoid.
Using Datura
The plant cleans blood vessels well, promotes resorption of blood clots, improves metabolism and blood circulation. However, it is important to remember that its seeds are poisonous, so it is dangerous to use doping drugs without the knowledge of the doctor.
Recipe and method of using 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 should be periodically shaken;
- the initial dosage is 15 drops, diluted in half a glass of water, once a day before meals;
- the daily dose is increased from 1 to 2 drops to 25;
- the duration of treatment is one month.
Datura is also suitable for compresses. For this, cotton is moistened in a dye, diluted with water, applied to the diseased areas, covered with a film and fixed with a bandage. For the procedure, the same dose 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, which is 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 vasodilating properties. It removes cholesterol build-ups, affects 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 twice through a meat grinder with the skin and all the contents (5 pieces), as well as garlic (5-6 cloves). Porridge is mixed with honey (500 g) and placed in a glass container. For treatment you need to use 1 teaspoon 2 times a day. a mixture previously diluted in 1 glass of water.
- The mixture prepared by the above method should 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 twice a day.
Remember that these products can cause unwanted reactions. They are undesirable to use for allergies, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids, kidney failure, diseases of the genitourinary system.
Green tomatoes
Traditional medicine suggests applying slices of green tomatoes to the painful veins. It should be done at night for a long time. 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 causes cholesterol plaque formation and the 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 fortifying and tonic properties. Nettle reduces the viscosity of the blood, thus ensuring its normal circulation. It unclogs, accelerates regeneration processes and prevents the appearance of cholesterol accumulations.
Ways to use nettle:
- The leaves (1 tbsp. L. ) Are placed in a container, filled with water (200 ml) and put on fire. After boiling, the stove should be turned off. The cooled broth is filtered and drunk three times a day 20 minutes before meals.
- The dried plant (6 tbsp. L. ) Should be poured with vodka (0, 5 l) and left in a dark place for 2 days. Tincture is taken before meals for 1 tbsp. L. 3 times a day, and is also used for compresses.
The first positive results can be observed only after 2-3 months, but the course should last much longer.
Nettle products are contraindicated in patients with 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, then many other folk remedies will help:
- Sour milk is mixed with chopped wormwood until a pasty state. The mixture is applied to the gauze and applied to the 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, then after 2 more hours.
- For the tincture, it is necessary to pour alcohol (0, 5 l) of horse chestnut flowers (50 g) and leave to infuse for 2 weeks. Every day the drug is shaken. Reception scheme - three times a day, 1 tbsp. L. , sprinkled with water.
An important point: nutmeg is able to relieve painful discomfort and accelerate the healing of trophic ulcers. However, failure to comply with the standard can lead to dangerous consequences. It is permissible not to take more than 3-5 g at a time.
External treatment
In case of varicose veins of the lower extremities, treatment with external agents is recommended. It is useful for men with diseased vessels on the legs to use ointments and gels, which are especially effective in 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 disease are very diverse. And to cope with the signs of the disease, which are accentuated 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 stockings, performing a number of exercises and massage procedures.
Gymnastic
Physiotherapy exercises, although they do not completely eliminate pathological manifestations, but significantly improve 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 helps to do the following:
- Simulate cycling on the floor or in bed. After 30 leg rotations you need to rest.
- Sitting on a chair, alternately lift the socks, then the heels (20-30 times).
- Lying on your back with the legs straight, bend the toes (20 repetitions).
- Tiptoe in several approaches. You can just stay put.
A great solution is daily cycling in the fresh air. As a last resort, an indoor or home exercise bike will do the trick.
Massage
Certainly, there is no longer any doubt as to whether men have varicose veins. Accordingly, they also need a competent approach to the treatment of pathology. When it comes to massage, a properly performed procedure reduces pain in the lower extremities and improves blood circulation.
A similar method of treating a violation is more effective at this stage of the disease when there are no pronounced symptoms.
Contraindications:
- wounds, cuts on the skin of the legs;
- feverish state;
- 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 keep the legs in an elevated position, after which anti-varicose ointment is applied.
The massage should be followed regularly, only then will the first effect appear.
The fight against the signs of varicose veins is carried out with the help of:
- stroking from ankle to knee;
- circular movements in the lower leg;
- intensive thigh massage;
- 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 knits with compressive properties allows you to evenly distribute the load on the lower extremities, eliminate the feeling of heaviness and fatigue, and also prevent the progression of pathology.
Manufacturers produce lingerie for women and the stronger sex.
The medical jersey is presented by products in the form of:
- Golf;
- storage;
- tights.
Either option is selected taking into account the location of the deformed vessels.
In addition, the stage of the disease is important:
- With the first signs, knee-highs with compression ratios of no more than 21 mm Hg are suitable. Art.
- Progressive varicose veins and thrombophlebitis require the use of varicose vein stockings for men with pressure up to 32 mm Hg. Art. They are also prescribed after surgery.
- With lympho-venous insufficiency, trophic disorders, the use of category 3 knits 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 a compression of 49 mm or more. rt. Art.
To avoid the appearance of a violation, especially in the postoperative period, it is recommended to use prophylactic knits (15-18 mm Hg).
Varicose veins in men are quite treatable if you go to a phlebologist in time. The more the disease is present and the more intense its symptoms, the greater the risk of dangerous complications.