In a non-professional environment, varicose veins of the lower extremities are considered "feminine".This is wrong.Men also suffer from varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities.Data from large statistical studies confirm this.The predominance of the right half of the population in public hospitals only shows that women are focused on varicose veins, while men are not.Most women who seek help from a general surgeon or phlebologist have, in addition to medical purposes, cosmetic purposes as well.For men, they, as a rule, are not of interest.
Thus, in our country as a whole, the "male" form of chronic venous diseases is characterized by late presentation.As they say, "till the thunder strikes, a man will not be crucified"...
"Male" risk factors for varicose veins
It is generally accepted that the true cause of varicose veins is still unknown.Risk factors include hereditary predisposition and lifestyle.These risk factors are the same for men and women.
The main ones:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- work associated with long periods of forced standing and sitting;
- the discrepancy between food habits and real energy costs, leading to obesity;
- smoking;
- heavy physical work associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Sports involving weightlifting
Causes of severe forms of varicose veins in men
In the initial stage, the development of varicose veins in men and women is the same.The disease proceeds according to the same principles and with the same stages.The reason for the more severe forms of varicose veins at the time of contacting the phlebologist in men is precisely the late presentation.Men, as a rule, do not care about the aesthetic component.There is no pain in varicose veins in the early stages of the disease, so most men do not consider it necessary to seek advice and help.With the appearance of pain and swelling, men just as persistently ignore these symptoms, showing miracles of unconsciousness.The reason for this behavior is the lack of information.The decline of the distribution system and the lack of medical information for the population leads to low education in the male population regarding the potential damage from varicose veins.
Another factor that prevents the male population from timely turning to a phlebologist is the reluctance to wear "feminine" compression stockings.This is also a consequence of medical illiteracy and is largely the fault of medical workers and not the population.
A long-term lack of treatment leads to the fact that when a man goes to a phlebologist or general surgeon, he already has:
- Advanced major varicose veins with signs of severe chronic venous insufficiency,
- thrombophlebitis or vein thrombosis
- trophic ulcers of venous origin
- bleeding from varicose veins
To avoid these complications, timely modern diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in men
The optimal solution for men with symptoms of varicose veins is to contact a competent phlebologist.Ultrasound examination of blood vessels at the time of treatment is a mandatory component of a consultation with a phlebologist!It is recommended that the ultrasound of the veins is not performed by a third doctor (no matter how qualified he may be), but personally by the phlebologist you contacted.The doctor who undertakes to advise you is responsible for both the correct diagnosis and the development of a treatment strategy.
Ultrasound angioscanning in duplex and triplex mode (ultrasound of veins) is the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases.Therefore, this test should be performed by the doctor who will advise, treat or operate on you.Ultrasound of the veins should be performed in a standing position.For patients whose health condition does not allow ultrasound to be performed in a vertical position, the examination can be performed in a lying position with strain, but its diagnostic value will be lower.Especially when it comes to diagnosing deep vein thrombosis.After interviewing the patient, examining, palpating and ultrasound of the veins, the phlebologist must write his report, which includes a brief history of the disease, diagnosis and recommendations.It is mandatory to write a protocol for the ultrasound angioscan indicating the date of the study.If necessary (complex cases, congenital malformations, consequences of massive deep vein thrombosis), the doctor recommends additional clarifying studies (magnetic resonance venography, X-ray angiography or others).
Only this approach meets modern European standards. The expert examination will last no more than half an hour and you will get enough information about the venous system of your lower extremities.
Consultation with a phlebologist is absolutely safe and does not involve any traumatic examination or procedure.No special preparation is required. Timely diagnosis is extremely important for choosing a modern and effective treatment, which will avoid complications and progression of the disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins in men
Every patient should pay attention to these signs:
- The appearance of varicose veins that protrude above the skin when standing.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the working day.
- Unpleasant sensations along the course of varicose veins.
- Pain during the course of varicose veins, especially at the end of the working day.
- Swelling in the leg and foot area.The first symptoms are that the elastic from the sock leaves a visible mark and the usual shoes become tight.
- Changes in skin color (appearance of brown or bluish pigmentation).
- Trophic ulcers on the lower third of the leg along the inner surface.
Treatment of varicose veins in men
For most people, modern, high-quality treatment for varicose veins is already available.Professional specialists work only according to the protocols recommended by the Association of Phlebologists and in accordance with European recommendations.Clinics and medical centers use modern equipment for ultrasound angioscanning and laser treatment of varicose veins.
The main methods of treating varicose veins used by specialists:
- Thermoabliteration (laser and radiofrequency).
- Miniphlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- A combination of these techniques.
Treatment in medical centers is completely outpatient, without anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or hospitalization.All necessary medical documentation is issued (consultation with a phlebological surgeon, ultrasound angioscan protocol, discharge summary with recommendations, temporary disability certificate, tax deduction documents).
Many patients have already appreciated the benefits of innovative methods for the treatment of varicose veins.It should be noted that all are operator dependent.This means, the success of the treatment depends not only on the modernity and high cost of the equipment, but also on the operator, that is, the doctor who works on it.Specialists have extensive experience in ultrasound diagnosis of diseases of the lower extremities (all specialists have valid ultrasound diagnostic certificates), as well as extensive experience in operations on the veins of the lower extremities and thermal (laser, radiofrequency) elimination of varicose veins.