Vascular diseases have different symptoms and it is not always possible for a person without medical education to understand them. Each 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 there are pathologies that occur in mild and severe forms.
What are reticular varicose veins? What diseases does he talk about? What if you are diagnosed with this? Is he dangerous? How and how to treat reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities? In our article you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions. We will help you understand not only in terms of cardiovascular diseases, but we will 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 dilatation of thin veins located subcutaneously, whose diameter is a few millimeters, is called reticular veins or reticular varicose veins. In other words, this type of pathology will manifest as an increase in the venous pattern. Often, smaller vessels of the upper papillary layer of the dermis are affected at the same time, and telangiectasias are formed - vascular "networks" or "stars". The patient develops linear, stellate, reticular, or branched "patterns" of intertwined veins and filamentous saphenous veins. They are bluish, greenish, ruby or lilac in color.
Most commonly, reticular varicose veins are localized in the lower extremities, affecting the veins of the lateral surface of the thigh and thigh. Varicose veins on both lower extremities in the initial phase of varicose veins are extremely common. It is worth noting that the area of localization of the altered vessels is not just the area of the legs and feet 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 feet 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, and the degree of manifestation of venous insufficiency is initial. It is generally accepted that the only discomfort will be the unaesthetic appearance of a patient diagnosed with reticular veins of the lower extremities. But not all experts hold this view.
Expert opinion
Despite the fact that reticular varicose veins predominantly have a mild course, it is primarily a disease of the superficial veins, which is considered to be 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, until the formation of varicose veins and trophic ulcers at the site of the vascular "network".
Reticular varicose veins of the legs: causes
In the vast majority of cases, vascular diseases occur as a result of a combination of factors that trigger the pathological process, and are therefore considered multifactorial. But still, when the pathogenesis of vascular diseases is studied, the main reason for the appearance of reticular veins is hereditary predisposition. In people with unfavorable combinations of hereditary factors, a certain structure of the vein wall has already been determined, which predisposes to the formation of varicose veins. In addition to 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 characteristics of venous canals, the development of varicose veins is facilitated by:
presence of bad habits - smoking alcohol and tobacco;
unbalanced diet, passion for diets (including vegetarian);
hormonal imbalance and hormone therapy;
pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, menopause;
overweight;
inactive lifestyle;
arterial hypertension;
severe liver damage;
allergic reactions;
professional activity associated with static load on the legs ("sitting" / "standing" work);
wearing uncomfortable clothes and shoes (squeezing elements, shaping underwear, narrow shoe racks, etc. ).
Unfortunately, the preconditions that lead to the development of reticular varicose veins are not limited to this list. At risk are also the clients of beauty salons who do sugaring, chemical peeling and visit the solarium; and those who visit the gym doing strength training on their feet, as well as those who choose sports with a high level of impact load (jumping, twitching, 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 initial phase of varicose veins is a clearly visible subcutaneous venous pattern of reddish-cyanotic color. The network of many of the thinnest veins appears mainly on the inner and back surfaces of the thighs and ankles. In extremely rare cases, pain can occur when pressed.
Reticular varicose veins are characterized by edema, tension, heaviness, itching, intradermal bleeding, spontaneous fever in the legs, and involuntary spasm of the leaf muscles.
Ignoring the primary symptoms of the disease leads to its progression and complications. Remember that with absolutely healthy blood vessels, they will never be visible. Therefore, even if a new cobweb of the finest veins does not cause you any discomfort, it is most likely only temporary. Any disease is always easier to eliminate, and possibly without consequences if treated in time.
Reticular varicose veins of the legs: treatment
In this part 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, which doctor treats it and many others.
The first step on the road to recovery, in case of detection of one or more symptoms caused by reticular varicose veins, should be a visit to the doctor. In that case, you can contact a therapist who will refer you to a vascular surgeon, angiologist or phlebologist, or directly to these doctors who have a narrow specialization in venous pathologies. Each of them will first examine the patient and examine the feet, legs and thighs. A preliminary diagnosis will then be published and an examination plan made to make a final clinical diagnosis. The patient's examination plan will include the necessary diagnostics - laboratory and instrumental. In order to obtain maximum information about the condition of the deep veins, the severity of the changes in the superficial and the consistency of the perforating veins, the patient will be given an ultrasound examination. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will re-evaluate the signs of the disease, choose the optimal treatment and give recommendations.
How are reticular veins treated? Their treatment, as well as the treatment of any vascular disease, is carried out in two ways: conservatively and operatively. Each of the methods includes a set of methods.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins includes recommendations from specialists regarding lifestyle and diet. Unfortunately, despite the obvious advantages of the principles of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, we do not attach the required level of importance to these concepts. All 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, proper daily routine and diet.
Proper nutrition helps to improve health and prevent all diseases.
A patient who develops 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 significant breaks between meals and starve;
a large amount of berries, fruits, vegetables and herbs should be stably maintained in the diet;
Consuming whole wheat, rye, oats and barley for breakfast can be helpful.
it is better to give preference to fresh juices than carbonated drinks.
It is difficult to renew your usual behavior in accordance with the basics of a healthy lifestyle and 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 his own life.
Reticular varicose veins allow treatment with water procedures at home. Contrasting foot shower stimulates blood circulation, optimizes the function of the venous valve apparatus and increases the tone of the venous wall.
Expert opinion
Eliminate the symptoms caused by reticular varicose veins, medication is needed. The action on the veins is carried out in a complex way: internally - tablets and capsules, as well as externally - by applying ointments, gels or creams. 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 herbal components. These agents have a wide range of therapeutic effects and have a systemic effect:
help improve blood circulation;
eliminate pain syndrome and heaviness in the legs;
have a positive effect on strengthening the vascular wall and capillaries;
prevent the development of bloating;
stop the inflammatory process;
help get rid of hematomas etc.
Dosage of drugs and methods of their use are prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the signs of varicose veins and the dynamics of its development.
Special 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 in 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 leggings, socks or elastic bandages. The compression class directly affects the type of bedding - it can be both prophylactic (0-1 degree) and therapeutic (2-3 degrees).
In cases when it is necessary to urgently eliminate reticular varicose veins or the disease progresses quickly, miniphlebectomy, laser treatment (photocoagulation), microsclerotherapy telangiectasia and sclerotherapy of reticular veins are applied. Which method is most suitable for the treatment of reticular varicose veins is determined by the physician individually for each patient.
Reticular varicose veins: gymnastics
In order to normalize the processes of lymph outflow, venous outflow, peripheral blood circulation and increase venous tone, experts recommend the systematic conduct of therapeutic exercises.
The set of exercises is not difficult and varied. For each patient, the specialist in the gym will create 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 to the physical capabilities, age and other characteristics of the patient.
The most popular exercises are "birch", "bicycle", "scissors", rolling from heel to toe, walking on the spot and others.
The specialist will tell you how to perform this or that movement correctly and tell you what to avoid when choosing exercises 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, the symptoms can be alleviated. Based on the results of many years of experience, it is considered an extremely effective product based on garlic, birch buds, wild chestnut, 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 damage. Therefore, the use in the treatment of varicose veins of any prescription for alternative medicine, even at first glance the safest, should always be agreed with the doctor.
Consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.