Vascular diseases have various symptoms and it is not always possible for a person without medical education to understand them. Any chronic disease has its own clinical picture and requires certain treatment. There is a classification according to the nature of the course of the disease, so pathologies are distinguished that occur in a mild and severe form.
What is reticular varicose veins? What diseases does he refer to? What if you have been diagnosed with this? Is he dangerous? How and how to treat reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities? In our article you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. We will help you understand not only in terms of cardiovascular diseases, but also tell you about the causes of the disease, its symptoms and the main methods of treatment.
Reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities: what is it?
The appearance of expansion of thin veins located subcutaneously, 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 smaller vessels of the upper papillary layer of the dermis are simultaneously affected and telangiectasias are formed - vascular "mesh" or "asterisks". The patient develops linear, stellate, reticulate or branched "patterns" of interwoven veins and filamentous saphenous veins. They are bluish, greenish, ruby or lilac in color.
Most often, reticular varicose veins are localized in the lower extremities, affecting the veins of the lateral surface of the thigh and upper legs. Varicose veins on both lower extremities at the initial stage of varicose veins are extremely common. It is worth noting that the area of localization of the altered 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. The owners of a pronounced venous pattern on the skin of the legs are usually women, sometimes it is 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 inconvenience will be the unaesthetic appearance of the patient, who has been diagnosed with the 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 primarily a disease of 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 will grow and the situation will worsen, up to the formation of varices and trophic ulcers at the site of the vascular "mesh".
Reticular varicose veins of the legs: causes
In the overwhelming majority of cases, vascular diseases develop as a result of a combination of factors that trigger the pathological process, therefore, they are considered multifactorial. But still, when studying the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, the main reason for the appearance of reticular veins is an inherited predisposition. In individuals with unfavorable combinations of hereditary factors, a certain structure of the vein wall is already determined, which predisposes to the appearance of varicose veins. Along with this reason, there is congenital weakness of the vascular walls, which occurs as a result of intrauterine exposure to pathogenic factors on the fetus.
In addition to the above, predetermined structural features of the venous canals, the development of varicose veins is facilitated by:
the presence of bad habits - alcohol and tobacco smoking;
unbalanced diet, passion for diets (including vegetarian ones);
hormonal imbalance and hormone therapy;
pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, menopause;
overweight;
inactive lifestyle;
arterial hypertension;
severe liver damage;
allergic reactions;
professional activity associated with static loads on the legs ("sitting" / "standing" work);
wearing uncomfortable clothes and shoes (squeezing elements, shaping underwear, narrow shoe lasts, 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 visit the gym doing strength training on their legs, as well as those who choose sports with a high level of shock load (jumping, snatching, 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 signs at the initial stage of varicose veins is a clearly visible subcutaneous venous pattern of a reddish-cyanotic color. A mesh of many thinnest vessels appears mainly on the inner and back surfaces of the thighs and ankles. In extremely rare cases, when pressing on it, soreness may occur.
Reticular varicose veins are characterized by edema, tension, heaviness, itching, intradermal hemorrhage, spontaneous fever in the legs 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 cobweb of the finest threads of veins does not cause you any inconvenience, it is most likely only temporary. Any disease is always easier to eliminate and possibly even without consequences if it is treated in a timely manner.
Reticular varicose veins 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 way to recovery, in case of detection of one or more symptoms that reticular varicose veins give, should be a visit to the doctor. In this case, you can contact a therapist who will give a referral to a vascular surgeon, angiologist or phlebologist, or go directly to these doctors who have a narrow specialization in venous pathologies. Any of them will first of all interview the patient and examine the feet, legs and thighs. Then a preliminary diagnosis will be announced, and an examination plan will be drawn up in order to establish a final clinical diagnosis. The patient's examination plan will include the necessary diagnostics - laboratory and instrumental. To obtain the maximum information about the state of the deep veins, the severity of changes in the superficial and the consistency of the perforating veins, the patient will be assigned an ultrasound scan. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will re-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 set of methods.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins includes specialist recommendations regarding lifestyle and nutrition. Unfortunately, despite the obvious benefits of the principles of good eating and living 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 the absence of moderate physical exertion, good rest, the correct daily regimen and nutrition.
Proper nutrition helps to improve health and prevent all diseases.
To a patient with developing varicose veins:
it is not advisable to eat smoked, spicy, fried foods, and it is also necessary to reduce the consumption of salt and sweets;
it is not advisable 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 be helpful.
it is better to give preference to fresh juices than carbonated drinks.
It is difficult to rebuild your habitual behavior according to the foundations of a healthy lifestyle and start eating right only at the beginning. By making efforts and following the doctor's recommendations, the patient will make a significant contribution to improving the quality of his own 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 reticular varicose veins provoke, drug treatment is called upon. The effect on the veins is carried out in a complex manner: internally - with tablets and capsules, as well as externally - by applying an ointment, gel or cream. Medicines are also used in order 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 action and have a systemic effect:
help to 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 puffiness;
stop the inflammatory process;
help 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 such a factor in the development of vascular pathologies as pregnancy and, in particular, how exactly to 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, including 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 need to 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 lymph outflow, outflow of venous blood, peripheral blood circulation and to 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 exercise therapy room will draw up 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 appropriate for the physical capabilities, age and other characteristics of the patient.
The most popular exercises are considered to be "birch", "bicycle", "scissors", rolling from heel to toe, walking on the spot and others.
The specialist will tell you how to correctly perform this or that movement 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 treat 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, symptoms can be alleviated. Based on the results of many years of experience, it is considered to be extremely effective products based on garlic, birch buds, horse chestnut fruits, verbena, nutmeg, knotweed and natural apple cider vinegar.
As a rule, 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.