In non-professional settings, varicose veins in the lower extremities are considered "feminine."This is wrong.Men also suffer from superficial varicose veins in the lower limbs.Data from large statistical studies bear this out.The fact that half the population is in the majority in public hospitals only shows that women are concerned about varicose veins and men are not.Most women who seek help from a general surgeon or phlebologist do so for cosmetic reasons in addition to medical ones.For men, they are usually of no interest.
Therefore, in our country, "male" chronic venous disease is characterized by a later onset.As the saying goes: "Thunder does not thunder, people do not cross themselves"...
Risk factors for varicose veins in men
It is generally accepted that the true cause of varicose veins remains unknown.Risk factors include genetic predisposition and lifestyle.These risk factors are the same for men and women.
Mainly include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Jobs involving forced standing and sitting for long periods of time;
- Disparity between eating habits and actual energy costs, leading to obesity;
- smoking;
- Heavy physical labor associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Sports involving weightlifting
Causes of severe varicose veins in men
In the initial stages, the development of varicose veins is the same in men and women.The disease proceeds according to the same principles and through the same stages.When contacting a phlebologist, the cause of more severe varicose veins in men is precisely the late manifestation.Generally speaking, men don't care about the aesthetic component.Varicose veins are not painful in the early stages of the disease, so most men do not see the need to seek advice and help.When pain and swelling arise, men are equally determined to ignore the symptoms, performing the miracle of unconsciousness.The reason for this behavior is lack of information.A breakdown in the pharmacy system and a lack of medical information among the population has led to low levels of awareness among men about the dangers varicose veins can cause.
Another factor that prevents men from seeking prompt help from a phlebologist is a reluctance to wear "feminine" compression stockings.This is also the result of medical illiteracy and is largely the fault of medical personnel rather than the population.
The long-term lack of treatment leads to the fact that by the time a person turns to a phlebologist or a general surgeon, he already suffers from:
- Advanced cardinal varicose veins with signs of severe chronic venous insufficiency,
- Thrombophlebitis or venous thrombosis
- Venous trophic ulcer
- varicose bleeding
To avoid these complications, timely modern diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in men
The best solution for men with varicose vein symptoms is to contact a competent phlebologist.Ultrasound examination of the vessels during treatment is a mandatory part of the consultation with a phlebologist!It is recommended that the venous ultrasound is not performed by a third-party physician (no matter how highly qualified) but rather by the phlebologist you contact.The doctor who advises you is responsible for the correct diagnosis and development of a treatment strategy.
Dual and triple mode ultrasound vascular scanning (venous ultrasound) is the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease.Therefore, this test should be done by the doctor who will provide you with advice, treatment or surgery.Venous ultrasonography should be performed in the standing position.For patients whose physical condition does not allow ultrasound examination in the upright position, the examination can be performed in the recumbent position, but its diagnostic value will be lower.Especially when diagnosing deep vein thrombosis.After interviewing, examining, palpating, and ultrasounding the patient, the phlebologist must write a report that includes a brief history, diagnosis, and recommendations.An ultrasound vascular scan protocol must be written, 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 other).
Only this method meets modern European standards.The expert examination will take no more than half an hour and you will receive sufficient information about the venous system of the lower limbs.
A consultation with a phlebologist is completely safe and does not involve any invasive tests or surgeries.No special preparation is required.Timely diagnosis is extremely important to choose modern and effective treatments, which will avoid complications and disease progression.
Symptoms of varicose veins in men
Every patient should be aware of the following symptoms:
- A condition in which varicose veins protrude above the skin when standing.
- Legs feel heavy, especially at the end of a work day.
- An unpleasant sensation can occur during varicose veins.
- Varicose veins can be painful, especially at the end of the work day.
- Swelling of legs and feet.The first symptom is that the elastic bands of socks leave clearly visible marks and ordinary shoes become tight.
- Changes in skin color (appearance of brown or blue pigmentation).
- Trophic ulcer along the inner surface of the lower third of the leg.
Treatment of Varicose Veins in Men
For most people, modern, high-quality varicose vein treatments are now available.Professional experts work only according to protocols recommended by the Association of Phlebologists and European recommendations.Clinics and medical centers use modern equipment for ultrasound vascular scanning and laser treatment of varicose veins.
The main methods experts use to treat varicose veins:
- Thermal ablation (laser and radiofrequency).
- Venectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- A combination of these technologies.
Treatment at the Medical Center is entirely outpatient and does not require anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or hospitalization.Issuance of all necessary medical documents (venous surgeon consultation, ultrasound vascular scan protocol, discharge summary and recommendations, temporary disability certificate, tax abatement documents).
Many patients have recognized the benefits of innovative methods of treating varicose veins.It should be noted that they are all operator dependent.That is, the success of treatment depends not only on the modernization and high cost of the equipment, but also on the operator, that is, the doctor who works on it.The experts have extensive experience in ultrasonographic diagnosis of diseases of the lower limbs (all experts hold valid diagnostic ultrasonography certificates), as well as in venous surgery of the lower limbs and thermal (laser, radiofrequency) ablation of varicose veins.