Vascular disease has a wide range of symptoms and it is not always possible for someone without medical education to understand it. Any chronic disease has its own clinical picture and requires specific treatment. There is a classification according to the nature of the course of the disease, so differentiated pathologies that occur in mild and severe forms.
What are reticular varicose veins? What disease is he referring to? What if you have been diagnosed with this? Is he dangerous? How and how to treat reticular varicose veins on the lower leg? 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, symptoms and main treatment methods.
Reticular varicose veins on the lower leg: what is it?
The appearance of the development of a thin vein located under the skin, the diameter of which is a few millimeters, is called a reticular vein or reticular varicose vein. In other words, this type of pathology will manifest itself as an increase in venous pattern. Often, the smaller vessels of the upper papillary layer of the dermis are affected simultaneously and telangiectasias are formed - vascular "nets" or "stars". Patients develop linear, stellate, reticulate or branched "patterns" of ligament veins and filamentous saphenous veins. They are bluish, greenish, pomegranate or purple.
Often, reticular varicose veins are localized in the lower part of the leg, affecting the lateral surface veins of the thighs and upper legs. Varicose veins on both lower parts in the early stages of varicose veins are very common. Keep in mind that the area of localization of the altered vessel is not only the area of the legs and feet as a whole, it can be the face, abdomen and other body parts. The owners of a clear pattern of veins 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, the degree of manifestation of venous insufficiency is early. It is generally accepted that the only difficulty is the unesthetic appearance of the patient, who has been diagnosed with a reticular vein in the lower leg. But not all experts adhere to this opinion.
Expert opinion
Despite the fact that reticular varicose veins mostly have a mild course, it is mainly superficial vein disease, which is considered one of the first manifestations of venous insufficiency. If you do not pay attention to varicose veins for a long time, there is a possibility that the symptom complex will develop and the condition will 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 most cases, vascular disease develops as a result of a combination of factors that trigger the pathological process, therefore, it is considered multifactorial. But still, when studying the pathogenesis of vascular disease, the main reason for the appearance of reticular veins is an inherited tendency. In individuals with an unfavorable combination of hereditary factors, the specific structure of the venous wall is already determined, which predisposes to the appearance of varicose veins. Along with this reason, there is congenital weakness of the vascular wall, which occurs as a result of intrauterine exposure to pathogenic factors in the fetus.
In addition to the structural features of the venous ducts described above, the development of varicose veins is facilitated by:
the presence of bad habits - alcohol and tobacco smoking;
unbalanced diet, passion for diet (including vegetarians);
hormone imbalance and hormone therapy;
pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, menopause;
overweight;
inactive lifestyle;
arterial hypertension;
severe liver damage;
allergic reactions;
professional activities related to static loads on the legs ("sitting" / "standing" work);
wearing uncomfortable clothing and footwear (squeezing elements, shaping underwear, tight -fitting shoes, etc. ).
Unfortunately, the prerequisites leading to the development of reticular varicose veins are not limited to this list. Beauty salon customers who do shugaring, chemical peels and visit solariums are also at risk; and those who visit the gym do strength training on their legs, as well as those who choose sports with high levels of shock load (jumping, grazing, etc. ).
Signs and symptoms of reticular varicose veins
What is the clinical picture of reticular varicose veins? One of the first and often only signs of the early stages of varicose veins is a clearly visible red-cyanotic pattern of subcutaneous veins. Nets of many of the thinnest vessels appear mainly on the inner and back surfaces of the thighs and ankles. In very rare cases, when pressing on it, pain may occur.
Reticular varicose veins are characterized by edema, tension, heaviness, itching, intradermal bleeding, spontaneous fever in the legs and involuntary calf muscle spasm.
Ignoring the main symptoms of the disease leads to its development and complications. Remember that with a truly healthy vessel, they will not be visible. So, even if the cobwebs that emerge from the best vein threads don’t cause you any inconvenience, most likely it’s only temporary. Any disease is always easier to eradicate and possibly even without consequences if it is treated in a timely manner.
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 question - what is the sequence of actions if you find signs of varicose veins in yourself, which doctors treat them and more.
The first step on the way to recovery, in case of detection of one or more symptoms given by reticular varicose veins, should be a visit to the doctor. In this case, you can contact a therapist who will refer you to a vascular surgeon, angiologist or phlebologist, or go directly to this doctor who has a narrow specialization in venous pathology. Any of them will first interview the patient and examine the legs, feet and thighs. Then the initial diagnosis will be announced, and an examination plan will be prepared to establish the final clinical diagnosis. The patient examination plan will include the necessary diagnostics - laboratory and instrumental. To obtain maximum information about the condition of the deep veins, the severity of changes in the superficial and the consistency of the perforated veins, the patient will be given an ultrasound scan. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will re-evaluate the symptoms 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 surgical. Each method includes a set of methods.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins includes expert recommendations on lifestyle and nutrition. Unfortunately, while there are clear benefits from the principles of good nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle, we do not give this concept the level of importance it needs. All systems and organs of the human body will not function normally in the presence of bad habits and the absence of moderate physical exercise, good rest, daily regimen and proper nutrition.
Proper nutrition helps improve health and prevent all diseases.
To patients with varicose veins:
not recommended to eat smoked, spicy, fried foods, and also need to reduce the consumption of salt and sweets;
not encouraged to take significant breaks between meals and starvation;
large amounts of berries, fruits, vegetables and herbs should be maintained stably in the diet;
Eating whole wheat, rye, oats and barley for breakfast may help.
it is better to give preference to fresh juices than carbonated drinks.
It’s hard to rebuild your normal behaviors according to the basics of a healthy lifestyle and start eating right just in the beginning. By working hard and following the doctor’s recommendations, the patient will make a significant contribution to improving his or her own quality of life.
Reticular varicose veins provide treatment with water procedures at home. Contrast showers for the feet stimulate blood circulation, optimize the function of the venous valve apparatus and improve the tone of the venous wall.
Expert opinion
Eliminating the symptoms caused by reticular varicose veins, drug treatment is called. The effect on the veins is performed in a complex way: internally - with tablets and capsules, as well as externally - using ointments, gels or creams. Medications are also used to prevent disease progression and eliminate the risk of complications.
For this purpose, doctors prescribe preparations of venotonic groups, based on synthetic and natural plant components. These funds have a wide range of therapeutic actions and have systemic effects:
helps improve blood circulation;
eliminates pain and heaviness syndrome in the legs;
has a positive effect on the strengthening of vascular and capillary walls;
prevent the development of swelling;
stop the inflammatory process;
helps remove hematomas, etc.
The dose of the drug and the method of its use is determined by the attending physician, taking into account the signs of varicose veins and the dynamics of their development.
Particular attention should be paid to such factors in the development of vascular pathology 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 as high as knees, stockings, or elastic bandages. The compression class directly affects the type of linen-it can be 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), telangiectasias microsclerotherapy and reticular vein sclerotherapy are used. Which method is most suitable for the treatment of reticular varicose veins is determined by the doctor individually for each patient.
Reticular varicose veins: gymnastics
To normalize the process of lymph outflow, venous blood outflow, peripheral blood circulation and to improve the tone of the veins, experts recommend the implementation of systematic therapeutic exercises.
The training set is not difficult and varied. For each patient, the specialist in the exercise therapy room will create a program of 3-5 movements, which should be performed at least twice a day, 10-15 times per approach. Exercise will be appropriate for the physical ability, age and other characteristics of the patient.
The most popular exercises are considered to be "birch", "bike", "scissors", rolling from heel to toe, walking on the spot and others.
The expert will tell you how to do this or that movement correctly and tell you things to avoid when choosing your own exercises.
Reticular varicose veins: treatment with folk remedies
Some patients with reticular varicose veins on the lower part of the legs are interested in the question, is it possible to treat with folk remedies? The use of alternative medical methods as part of complex therapy is not excluded.
With the help of folk recipes for internal and external use, symptoms can be reduced. Based on the results of many years of experience, it is considered a very effective product based on garlic, birch buds, horse chestnuts, 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 the drugs themselves 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.