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 some treatment. There is a classification according to the nature of the course of the disease, which distinguishes pathologies that occur mildly and seriously.
What are reticular varicose veins? What diseases are you referring to? What if you have been diagnosed with this? It is 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 inform 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 times, the smaller vessels in the upper papillary layer of the dermis are simultaneously affected and telangiectasias form - vascular "webs" or "stars. "The patient develops linear, stellate, 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 located in the lower extremities and affect the veins on the lateral surface of the thigh and the upper part of the legs. Varicose veins in both lower extremities in 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 drawback will be the unsightly appearance of the patient, who has been diagnosed with reticular veins of the lower extremities. But not all experts subscribe to this opinion.
Expert opinion
Although 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, the symptom complex may grow and the situation worsen, leading to the formation of varicose veins and trophic ulcers at the site of the vascular "mesh".
Reticular varicose veins of the legs: causes.
In the vast majority of cases, vascular diseases develop as a result of a combination of factors that trigger the pathological process, which is why they are considered multifactorial. But still, 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 vein 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 as a result of intrauterine exposure to pathogenic factors in the fetus.
In addition to the above predetermined structural features of the venous channels, the development of varicose veins is facilitated by:
the presence of bad habits: consumption of alcohol and tobacco;
unbalanced diet, passion for diets (including vegetarians);
hormonal imbalance and hormone therapy;
pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, menopause;
over weight;
inactive lifestyle;
arterial hypertension;
severe liver damage;
allergic reactions;
professional activity associated with static loads on the legs ("sitting" / "standing" work);
Wear uncomfortable clothes and shoes (squeezing elements, modeling underwear, narrow lasts, etc. ).
Unfortunately, the prerequisites that lead to the development of reticular varicose veins are not limited to this list. Salon clients who do shugaring, chemical peels, and visit a solarium are also at risk; and those who visit the gym doing strength training in the legs, as well as those who choose sports with a high level of shock load (jumps, outbursts, etc. ).
Signs and symptoms of reticular varicose veins
What is the clinical picture of reticular varicose veins? One of the first and often the only signs in the early stage of varicose veins is a clearly visible subcutaneous venous pattern of a reddish-cyanotic color. A mesh of many thinner vessels appears primarily on the inner and posterior surfaces of the thighs and ankles. In extremely rare cases, pressing on it can cause pain.
Reticular varicose veins are characterized by edema, tightness, heaviness, itching, intradermal bleeding, 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 glasses, they will never be visible. Therefore, even if the emerging cobweb of the finest strands of the 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 you, which doctor treats you and many others.
The first step on the road to recovery, in case of detection of one or more symptoms of reticular varicose veins, should be a visit to the doctor. In this case, you can contact a therapist who will give you a referral to a vascular surgeon, angiologist, or phlebologist, or go directly to these doctors who have limited specialization in venous pathologies. Either of them will first interview the patient and examine the feet, legs, and thighs. A preliminary diagnosis will then be announced and an examination plan developed to establish a final clinical diagnosis. The patient's examination plan will include the necessary laboratory and instrumental diagnostics. To obtain maximum information on the condition of the deep veins, the severity of the changes in the superficial veins, and the consistency of the perforating veins, the patient will be assigned an ultrasound. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will reassess the signs of the disease, select the optimal treatment and give recommendations.
How are reticular veins treated? Its 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 specialized recommendations on lifestyle and nutrition. Unfortunately, despite the obvious benefits of the principles of good eating and a healthy lifestyle, we do not give these concepts the necessary level of importance. All the systems and organs of the human body will never function normally in the presence of bad habits and the absence of moderate physical effort, good rest, the correct daily regimen and nutrition.
Proper nutrition helps improve health and prevent all diseases.
For 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 long breaks between meals and starve;
a large number of berries, fruits, vegetables and herbs must be kept in a stable way in the diet;
It can be helpful to eat whole wheat, rye, oats, and barley for breakfast.
It is better to give preference to fresh juices over carbonated drinks.
It is difficult to rebuild your usual behavior according to the foundations of a healthy lifestyle and to start eating well only from the beginning. By making efforts and following the doctor's recommendations, the patient will contribute significantly to improving the quality of his own life.
Reticular varicose veins provide treatment with home water procedures. The contrast foot shower stimulates blood circulation, optimizes the functioning of the valve apparatus of the veins and increases the tone of the venous wall.
Expert opinion
Eliminate the symptoms that cause reticular varicose veins, pharmacological treatment is requested. 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. Medications are also used to prevent disease progression 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 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;
help get rid of bruises, etc.
The dosage of the drugs and the methods of use are prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the signs of varicose veins and the dynamics of their development.
Particular attention should be paid to a factor in the development of vascular pathologies such as pregnancy and, in particular, how exactly to treat reticular varicose veins during this period. When you are pregnant with a fetus, all treatment methods should be as safe as possible.
To reduce reticular varicose veins, even during pregnancy, experts recommend compression underwear.
They can be knee length, stockings or elastic bandages. The compression class directly affects the type of clothing: it can be both prophylactic (0-1 degrees) and therapeutic (2-3 degrees).
In cases where reticular varicose veins need to be removed immediately or the disease progresses rapidly, miniphillectomy, laser treatment (photocoagulation), microsclerotherapy of telangiectasia, and sclerotherapy of reticular veins are used. The doctor determines individually for each patient which method is the most appropriate for the treatment of reticular varicose veins.
Reticular varicose veins: gymnastics
To normalize the processes of lymphatic outflow, venous 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 exercise therapy room will devise a program of 3-5 movements, which should be performed at least twice a day, 10-15 times per approach. The exercises will be appropriate for the physical abilities, age and other characteristics of the patient.
The most popular exercises are considered "birch", "bicycle", "scissors", rolling from heel to toe, walking on the ground and others.
The specialist will tell you how to correctly perform this or that movement and will tell you what to avoid when choosing exercises on your own.
Reticular varicose veins: treatment with home 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, the symptoms can be alleviated. Based on the results of many years of experience, they are considered to be extremely effective products based on garlic, birch buds, horse chestnut fruits, verbena, nutmeg, knuckle and natural apple cider vinegar.
As a rule, the most popular recipes do not have 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 prescription of alternative medicine, even the most harmless at first glance, should always be agreed with the attending physician.
For an accurate diagnosis, contact a specialist.