Vascular disease presents 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 some treatment. There is a classification according to the nature of the course of the disease, so that pathologies that appear in a mild and severe form are distinguished.
What are reticular varicose veins? What diseases is he talking about? What if you have been diagnosed with it? Is it 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 educate you about the causes of the disease, its symptoms and the main methods of treatment.
Reticular varicose veins of the lower limbs: 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 smallest vessels of the upper papillary layer of the dermis are simultaneously affected and telangiectasias are formed - vascular "networks" or "stars". The patient develops linear, stellate, reticulate or branched "models" 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 extremities, affecting the veins on the lateral surface of the thigh and upper legs. Varicose veins on both lower limbs at the initial stage of varicose veins are extremely common. It should be noted that the area of localization of the damaged 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 the thin intradermal veins are affected, the nature of the disease is classified as benign, 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 agree with this opinion.
Expert opinion
Despite the fact that reticular varicose veins mainly have a benign 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 will develop and the situation will worsen, until the formation of varicose veins 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, so they are considered to be multifactorial. But still, when studying the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, the main reason for the appearance of reticular veins is 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 as a result of intrauterine exposure to pathogenic factors on the fetus.
In addition to the above predetermined structural features of the venous ducts, the development of varicose veins is facilitated by:
the presence of bad habits - alcohol and tobacco;
unbalanced diet, passion for diets (including vegetarians);
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 clothing and footwear (compression elements, shaping underwear, narrow shoe shapes, etc. ).
Unfortunately, the prerequisites leading to the development of reticular varicose veins are not limited to this list. Customers of beauty salons who perform shugaring, chemical peels and visit a solarium are also at risk; and those who go to the gym doing weight 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 that is reddish-cyanotic in color. A mesh of many of the thinnest vessels appears primarily on the inner and rear surfaces of the thighs and ankles. In extremely rare cases, when you press on it, pain 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 main 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 incipient spider web of the finest streaks of veins does not cause you any inconvenience, it is probably only temporary. Any disease is always easier to eliminate and perhaps even harmless if it is treated in time.
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 them and many others.
The first step on the road to recovery, if one or more symptoms of reticular varicose veins are detected, should be a visit to the doctor. In this case, you can contact a therapist who will refer you to a vascular surgeon, an angiologist or a phlebologist, or you can speak directly to these doctors with a narrow specialization in venous pathologies. Any of them will first interview the patient and examine the feet, legs and thighs. Then, a preliminary diagnosis will be announced, and an examination plan will be established in order to establish a definitive clinical diagnosis. The plan of examination of the patient will include the necessary diagnostics - laboratory and instrumental. To get the maximum amount of information about the condition of the deep veins, the severity of 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? 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 nutrition 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 in the absence of moderate physical exertion, good rest, correct daily diet and nutrition.
Good nutrition helps to improve health and prevent all diseases.
In 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 advisable to take long 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 can help.
it is better to favor fresh juices than soft drinks.
It is difficult to reconstruct your usual behavior according to the foundations of a healthy lifestyle and not to start eating well until the beginning. By making efforts and following the doctor's recommendations, the patient will make a significant contribution to improving their own quality of life.
Reticular varicose veins allow treatment with water procedures at home. The contrast foot shower stimulates blood circulation, optimizes the functioning of the valve system of the veins and increases the tone of the venous wall.
Expert opinion
Eliminate the symptoms caused by reticular varicose veins, drug treatment is requested. The effect on the veins is achieved in a complex way: internally - with tablets and capsules, as well as externally - by applying ointment, gel or cream. Medicines 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 spectrum 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 puffiness;
stop the inflammatory process;
help get rid of bruises, etc.
The dosage of drugs and methods of 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 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 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 class of compression directly affects the type of laundry - 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, miniflebectomy, laser treatment (photocoagulation), microsclerotherapy of telangiectasias and sclerotherapy of reticular veins are used. The most suitable method 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 flow, venous blood flow, 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 rehabilitation room will establish a program of 3 to 5 movements, which should be performed at least twice a day, 10 to 15 times per approach. The exercises will be adapted to the physical capacities, age and other characteristics of the patient.
The most popular exercises are considered "birch", "bicycle", "scissors", rolling from heel to toe, walking in place and others.
The specialist will tell you how to correctly perform this or that movement and tell you what to avoid when choosing exercises for yourself.
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 relieved. Based on the results of many years of experience, it is considered to be extremely effective products based on garlic, birch buds, horse chestnut, verbena, nutmeg, knotweed and apple cider vinegar. natural.
As a rule, most popular recipes do not have special contraindications, but it is always worth remembering that self-medication can cause irreparable damage. 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 a precise diagnosis, contact a specialist.