Vascular diseases have various symptoms and it is not always possible for a person without medical training to understand them. Any chronic disease has its own clinical picture and requires a certain treatment. There is a classification based on the nature of the course of the disease, therefore pathologies that occur in a mild and severe form are distinguished.
What are reticular varicose veins? What diseases does it refer to? What if you've been diagnosed with this? It's dangerous? How and how to treat reticular varicose veins of the lower limbs? In our article you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. We will help you understand not only in terms of cardiovascular disease, but also tell you about the causes of the disease, its symptoms and the main methods of treatment.
Reticular varices of the lower limbs: what is it?
The appearance of the expansion of subcutaneously located thin veins, the diameter of which is several millimeters, is called reticular veins or reticular varicose veins. In other words, this type of pathology will manifest itself as an increase in the venous pattern. Often, the smallest vessels of the upper papillary layer of the dermis are simultaneously affected and telangiectasias are formed - vascular "webs" or "stars". The patient develops linear, starry, reticulated or branched "patterns" of intertwined veins and filamentous saphenous veins. They are bluish, greenish, ruby or lilac in color.
Most often, reticular varicose veins are localized in the lower limbs, affecting the veins of the lateral surface of the thigh and upper legs. Varicose veins on both lower limbs in the early stage of varicose veins are extremely common. It is worth noting that the area of localization of impaired vessels is not only the area of the legs and legs as a whole, it can be the face, abdomen and other parts of the body. Owners of a pronounced venous pattern on the skin of the legs are usually women, sometimes they are formed in men.
How serious is this diagnosis? Due to the fact that thin intradermal veins are affected, the nature of the disease is classified as mild, the degree of manifestation of venous insufficiency is initial. It is generally accepted that the only drawback will be the unsightly appearance of the patient, who has been diagnosed with reticular veins of the lower extremities. But not all experts adhere to this opinion.
Expert opinion
Despite the fact that reticular varicose veins predominantly have a mild course, it is mainly a disease of the superficial veins, which is considered one of the first manifestations of venous insufficiency. If you do not pay attention to varicose veins for a long time, it is possible that the symptom complex increases and the situation worsens, up to the formation of varicose veins and trophic ulcers at the site of the vascular "mesh".
Reticular varices of the legs: causes
In the vast majority of cases, vascular diseases develop due to a combination of factors that trigger the pathological process, therefore they are considered multifactorial. However, when studying the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, the main reason for the appearance of reticular veins is a hereditary predisposition. In individuals with unfavorable combinations of hereditary factors, a certain structure of the venous wall is already determined, which predisposes to the appearance of varicose veins. Along with this reason, there is a congenital weakness of the vascular walls, which occurs due to intrauterine exposure to pathogenic factors on the fetus.
In addition to the aforementioned predetermined structural features of the venous channels, the development of varicose veins is facilitated by:
the presence of bad habits: alcohol and tobacco smoking;
unbalanced diet, passion for diets (including vegetarians);
hormonal imbalance and hormone therapy;
pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, menopause;
overweight;
inactive lifestyle;
hypertension;
severe liver damage;
allergic reactions;
professional activity associated with static loads on the legs ("sitting" / "standing" work);
wearing uncomfortable clothes and shoes (tightening elements, shaping underwear, tight shoe shapes, etc. ).
Unfortunately, the prerequisites leading to the development of reticular varicose veins are not limited to this list. Clients of beauty salons who do shugaring, chemical peels and visit a solarium are also at risk; and those who go to the gym doing strength exercises on the legs, as well as those who choose sports with a high level of shock load (jumping, jerking, etc. ).
Signs and symptoms of reticular varicose veins
What is the clinical picture of reticular varicose veins? One of the very first and often the only early-stage signs of varicose veins is a clearly visible subcutaneous venous pattern of a reddish-cyanotic color. A network of many finer vessels appears mainly on the inner and posterior surfaces of the thighs and ankles. In extremely rare cases, when pressing on it, pain can occur.
Reticular varicose veins are characterized by edema, tension, heaviness, itching, intradermal hemorrhage, spontaneous leg fever, and involuntary spasm of the calf muscles.
Ignoring the primary symptoms of the disease leads to its progression and complications. Remember that with absolutely healthy vessels, they will never be visible. Therefore, even if the emerging web of the best strands of veins does not cause you any inconvenience, it is most likely only temporary. Any disease is always easier to eliminate and perhaps even without consequences if treated in a timely manner.
Reticular varices of the legs: treatment
In this section of our article we will talk in detail about how to cure reticular varicose veins. We will answer the most important questions: what should be the sequence of actions if you find signs of varicose veins in yourself, which doctor treats it and many others.
The first step on the road to recovery, in case of detection of one or more symptoms that damage reticular varicose veins, should be a visit to the doctor. In this case, you can contact a therapist who will recommend a vascular surgeon, angiologist or phlebologist, or go directly to these doctors who have a narrow specialization in venous pathologies. Each of them first of all interviews the patient and examines the feet, legs and thighs. A preliminary diagnosis will then be announced and an examination plan will be drawn up to establish a definitive clinical diagnosis. The patient examination plan will include the necessary diagnostics - laboratory and instrumental. To obtain the maximum information on the state of the deep veins, on the severity of the alterations of the superficial veins and on the consistency of the perforating veins, the patient will be assigned an ultrasound. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will again evaluate the signs of the disease, select the optimal treatment and give recommendations.
How are reticular veins treated? Their treatment, like the treatment of any vascular disease, is carried out in two ways: conservative and operative. Each of the methods includes a number of methods.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins includes specialist recommendations regarding lifestyle and nutrition. Unfortunately, despite the obvious benefits of the principles of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, we do not give these concepts the necessary level of importance. All systems and organs of the human body will never function normally in the presence of bad habits and in the absence of moderate physical exertion, good rest, the correct daily regimen and nutrition.
Proper nutrition helps improve health and prevent all diseases.
To a patient with developing varicose veins:
it is not recommended to eat smoked, spicy, fried foods, and it is also necessary to reduce the consumption of salt and sweets;
it is not recommended to take significant breaks between meals and starve;
a large amount of berries, fruits, vegetables and herbs should be stably maintained in the diet;
Eating whole wheat, rye, oats, and barley for breakfast may help.
it is better to give preference to fresh juices over carbonated drinks.
It is difficult to rebuild your habitual behavior according to the basics of a healthy lifestyle and to start eating only at the beginning. By making an effort and following the doctor's recommendations, the patient will make a significant contribution to improving the quality of their life.
Reticular varicose veins provide for treatment with water procedures at home. The contrast shower for the feet stimulates blood circulation, optimizes the function of the valve apparatus of the veins and increases the tone of the venous wall.
Expert opinion
Eliminate the symptoms that provoke reticular varicose veins, drug treatment is required. The effect on the veins is carried out in a complex way: internally - with tablets and capsules, as well as externally - by applying an ointment, gel or cream. Drugs are also used to prevent the progression of the disease and eliminate the risk of complications.
For these purposes, doctors prescribe preparations of the venotonic group, based on synthetic and natural plant components. These funds have a wide range of therapeutic actions and have a systemic effect:
help improve blood circulation;
eliminate pain syndrome and a feeling of heaviness in the legs;
have a positive effect on strengthening the vascular wall and capillaries;
prevent the development of swelling;
stop the inflammatory process;
helps get rid of hematomas, etc.
The dosage of drugs and the methods of their use are prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the signs of varicose veins and the dynamics of its development.
Particular attention should be paid to this factor in the development of vascular pathologies such as pregnancy and, in particular, how to exactly treat reticular varicose veins during this period. When carrying a fetus, all methods of treatment should be as safe as possible.
To reduce reticular varicose veins, even during pregnancy, experts recommend compression underwear.
These can be knee-highs, stockings or elastic bandages. The compression class directly affects the type of linen: it can be both prophylactic (0-1 degrees) and therapeutic (2-3 degrees).
In cases where reticular varicose veins must be eliminated immediately or the disease progresses rapidly, miniflebectomy, laser treatment (photocoagulation), microsclerotherapy of telangiectasias and sclerotherapy of reticular veins are used. Which method is most appropriate for the treatment of reticular varicose veins is determined by the doctor individually for each patient.
Reticular varicose veins: gymnastics
In order to normalize the processes of lymphatic outflow, venous blood outflow, peripheral blood circulation and increase the tone of the veins, specialists recommend the systematic implementation of therapeutic exercises.
The set of exercises is not difficult and varied. For each patient, a specialist in the physical therapy room will work out a program of 3-5 movements, which will need to be performed at least twice a day, 10-15 times per approach. The exercises will be adapted to the physical abilities, age and other characteristics of the patient.
The most popular exercises are considered to be "birch", "bicycle", "scissors", rolling from heel to toe, walking in place and others.
The specialist will tell you how to perform this or that movement correctly and tell you what to avoid when choosing exercises on your own.
Reticular varicose veins: treatment with folk remedies
Some patients who have reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities are interested in the question, is it possible to deal with folk remedies? The use of alternative medicine methods as part of complex therapy is not excluded.
With the help of folk recipes for internal and external use, the symptoms can be alleviated. Based on the results of many years of experience, extremely effective products based on garlic, birch sprouts, horse chestnut fruits, verbena, nutmeg, knotweed and natural apple cider vinegar are considered.
As a rule, the most popular recipes have no special contraindications, but it is always worth remembering that self-medication can cause irreparable harm. Therefore, the use in the treatment of varicose veins of any recipe for alternative medicine, even the most harmless at first glance, should always be agreed with the attending physician.
For an accurate diagnosis, contact a specialist.