Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins at least as much as women, because deformation of the veins can occur anywhere. However, in men, the appearance of a deviation is usually associated with intense physical exertion, obesity and pathologies of the internal organs. If you find a problem, there should be no particular difficulties in how to treat varicose veins on the legs in men, as 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 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.
The 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 testicles (varicocele), in the esophagus and stomach, as well as in the small pelvis (PMVMT ).
Treatment of varicose veins of various localization in men with drugs is an additional method of combating the ailment. Medicines can help relieve symptoms, especially in the early stages.
When prescribing drugs, it is important to consider their compatibility, otherwise it is possible to achieve the opposite effect.
If we talk about the first type of drug, then an appointment is prescribed:
- phlebotonic, which increases venous tone, improves blood flow, eliminates congestion and swelling;
- anticoagulants that reduce blood clotting rates, reducing 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 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 recommend a method that does not require a long stay in the clinic and allows you to achieve a quick recovery.
It is a minimally invasive intervention that involves 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, since 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 (intravenous 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 pain. Short-term nerve damage is not excluded.
Sclerotherapy
If there are contraindications to endothermic ablation, sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy) can be prescribed. It involves the injection of a chemical (sclerosing) into the vessel, as a result of which the vein is also sealed.
The technique will be most effective in the presence of a vein affected by varicose veins.
Injected with a fine needle, the solution causes the vessel to thicken and close it completely. A big advantage 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 special gymnastics are recommended.
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. Side effects often include blood clots, headaches, pigmented areas and temporary visual impairment.
Surgical treatment of varicose veins
Having understood 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, 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.
Striptease
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 probe head with a ligature (special thread), the surgeon gently pulls it out.
Usually, such manipulations are carried out several times, as 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 the surgery:
- high risk of complications after surgery;
- violation of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage of the legs;
- blood clots;
- skin infections.
If necessary, stripping is combined with sclerotherapy. This is appropriate if the varicose veins are affected by veins of different sizes at the same time.
Miniflebectomy
A common technique that copes well with the symptoms of varicose veins of the legs in men. To remove the affected vessel, the surgeon makes a 1-2 mm incision and with a special instrument (Varadi hook) he pulls out the vein, binds it and crosses it. Manipulations are performed under local anesthesia.
Miniflebectomy is usually prescribed for:
- large diameter of the saphenous veins;
- atypical location of varicose veins (for example, in the foot area);
- vessels close to the surface of the skin.
The operation is prohibited for patients with high blood pressure, cardiac ischemia, trophic ulcers and infectious skin lesions.
Men who delay with the surgical method of treatment can develop diseases of the cardiovascular system, severe 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. Over the course of the removed vessel, the color of the skin may change for a short time.
Phlebectomy with transillumination
It is a modern hardware method of 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 with a built-in cold light source is inserted, which makes it possible to distinguish between varicose nodes.
However, practice shows that such a technique can cause a lot of complications due to rather gross manipulations performed inside the vein.
In particular, such an intervention can cause seals, hematomas, lymphorrhea, skin hyperpigmentation and neurological disorders.
Traditional methods of treatment
One of the directions of alternative medicine is treatment with folk remedies. Of course, their use will be effective in the initial stages of varicose veins. To properly carry out the therapy at home, it is essential to coordinate it with a phlebologist.
He will tell you which methods will be the most effective and safe, and which ones are best to refrain from.
Use of Datura
The plant cleans blood vessels well, promotes the resorption of blood clots, improves metabolism and blood circulation. However, it is important to remember: its seeds are poisonous, so it is dangerous to use drugs without the knowledge of the doctor.
Recipe and method of using the tincture:
- crushed seeds 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 dose is 15 drops, diluted in half a glass of water, once a day before meals;
- the daily dose is increased by 1-2 drops to 25;
- the duration of therapy is one month.
Datura is also suitable for compresses. For this, cotton wool 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 dosage of the drug as used for internal use is taken.
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 vasodilating properties. Eliminates accumulations of cholesterol, affects metabolism 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 need to be passed twice through a meat grinder along with the skin and all contents (5 pieces), 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 teaspoon 2 times a day. a mixture previously diluted in 1 glass of water.
- The mixture prepared by the above method 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.
Don't 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 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 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 normal circulation. It removes congestion, accelerates regenerative processes and prevents the appearance of cholesterol accumulations.
Ways to use nettle:
- The leaves (1 tablespoon L. ) are placed in a container, filled with water (200 ml) and set 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. ) should 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 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 suffering from allergic reactions, diabetes mellitus, trophic ulcers, hypertension.
Other recipes
If there is a characteristic symptomatology accompanying varicose veins in men on the legs, many other folk remedies will help:
- Sour milk is mixed with crushed wormwood in a mushy state. The mixture is applied to gauze and applied to problem areas at night. 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, it is necessary to pour alcohol (0, 5 l) 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. , washed 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 rule can lead to dangerous consequences. It is allowed to take no more than 3-5 g at a time.
Treatment by external use
With varicose veins of the lower limbs, therapy 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 by 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 ailment are very diverse. And to cope with the signs of the disease, which become more pronounced as it progresses, phlebologists advise to act in a complex way.
In other words, patients with deformed veins in the legs should supplement drug therapy by wearing compression stockings, performing a variety of exercises and massage procedures.
Gym
Physiotherapy exercises, although it does not completely eliminate the pathological manifestations, but 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 get some rest.
- Sitting on a chair, alternately raise the socks, then the heels (20-30 times).
- Lying on your back with your legs extended, bend and straighten your toes (20 repetitions).
- Walk on tiptoe in different approaches. You can just stand still.
An excellent solution is to pedal daily outdoors. As a last resort, an exercise bike at the gym or at home will do.
Massage
Surely, there is no longer any doubt that men have varicose veins. As a result, they also need a competent approach to treating pathology. As for massage, a properly performed procedure helps reduce pain in the lower limbs 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 carry out the procedure himself, 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.
The massage must be attended regularly, only then will the first effect appear.
The fight against the signs of varicose veins is carried out using:
- stroking from the ankle to the 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 knitwear with compression properties allows you to evenly distribute the load on the lower limbs, remove the feeling of heaviness and fatigue, and also avoid the progression of the pathology.
Manufacturers produce lingerie for both women and the stronger sex.
Medical mesh is presented by products in the form of:
- golf;
- fits;
- tights.
One or another option is selected taking into account the position of the deformed vessels.
In addition, the stage of the disease is important:
- With initial marks, knee-highs with compression rates not exceeding 21 mm Hg are suitable. Art.
- Progressive varicose veins and thrombophlebitis require the use of stockings from varicose veins for men with a pressure of up to 32 mm Hg. Art. They are also prescribed after surgery.
- In case of 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, it is necessary to 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 go to a phlebologist in time. The longer the disease is present and the more intense its symptoms, the greater the risk of dangerous complications.