Reticularly advanced varicose veins lead to the appearance of a bluish vascular network in the lower extremities. Therefore, in the people, this form of varicose veins is often called "cosmetic" or "reticular".
What does the term "reticular varicose veins" mean?
Some doctors do not consider reticular varicose veins a disease. They call for this to be treated as a cosmetic defect that does not pose a threat to the patient’s health. Men who have a mild form of varicose veins generally do not focus on it.
In Western countries, there is no special term "reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities", experts do not think about what it is.
Other doctors disagree on this issue. Some experts are convinced that reticular varicose veins are the result of venous valve insufficiency, so the disease must be treated without delay. Otherwise, the patient who suffers from cosmetic varicose veins will have serious complications. After all, it is unlikely that the situation will be limited to the defeat of superficial veins, after a long time varicose veins can expand into the deep veins of the venous system.
Symptoms of the disease
There are the following signs of reticular or cosmetic varicose veins:
- Feeling of heaviness in the limbs.
- Swelling.
- Increased fatigue.
- The emergence of blue nets. They arise from dilated superficial veins and capillaries of small caliber.
- Cramps in the muscles of the lower leg.
- Pain in the localization of varicose veins.
External bleeding may occur in the advanced stage of the disease.
Causes of disease
Reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities occur under the influence of the following reasons:
- Taking contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
- Overweight.
- Pregnancy and childbirth.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Inactive lifestyle.
Heavy physical work often leads to the appearance of a vascular pattern on the limbs. With excessive load on the legs, the venous walls gradually lose elasticity, and blood circulation in the body deteriorates.
Diagnosis of the disease
If the presence of reticular varicose veins is suspected, the patient is interviewed. The doctor pays great attention to the following circumstances:
- Nature and localization of pain.
- Patient working conditions.
- The presence of concomitant diseases.
- The patient's lifestyle.
- The presence of a hereditary predisposition to varicose veins.
The specialist then proceeds to visually examine the patient. During the procedure, the doctor not only examines the spider veins, but also examines the condition of the skin in their vicinity: the presence of sealant or edema in the affected area. For example, varicose veins on the face often occur in the eye area. In this case, the doctor may see light purple bags under the eyes. When viewed from a closer distance, small venous and capillary networks are clearly visible. With varicose veins of the lips, a small nodule of a rich red shade with a slightly blue color appears.
Other methods of diagnosing the disease are also used. For example, an ultrasound examination helps assess the condition of the venous valves, detecting the presence of blood clots.
MRI in the presence of reticular varicose veins is performed only according to individual indications.
General clinical studies are also performed for varicose veins. This primarily includes blood and urine tests. Thanks to general clinical studies, it is possible to assess the likelihood of developing thrombophlebitis and thrombosis. They help in choosing the right tactics for further treatment.
Classification of diseases
There is a special classification of reticular varicose veins. His supporters, in addition to the six main phases, also distinguish the zero stage of the disease. It is almost asymptomatic. Only a few patients have a feeling of heaviness in their legs.
In the first phase of the disease, a thin network consisting of small veins appears through the skin. The next stage is the dilation of blood vessels. In the third phase of the disease, edema occurs, the veins clearly stand out above the surface of the skin. In the fourth stage of the disease, the color of the skin in the area of varicose veins changes. It may turn dark brown. In the next stage, trophic ulcers can begin to form. In the sixth stage of the disease, the patient's condition deteriorates sharply. With the help of drugs it is impossible to deal with trophic ulcers.
Methods of treating the disease
The following methods are used in the treatment of reticular varicose veins:
- Taking medication.
- Exercise.
- Making decoctions based on medicinal herbs.
- Performing laser coagulation or microphlebectomy.
It is almost impossible to completely get rid of a pronounced cosmetic defect with the help of medicines, folk remedies or therapeutic exercises. Therefore, the treatment of the disease is practiced by minimally invasive methods (microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy).
Laser coagulation and microphlebectomy for varicose veins
Microphlebectomy is performed with a local anesthetic. The essence of this medical manipulation is to pull out the vein damaged by varicose veins. During microphlebectomy, the skin is previously pierced with a thin medical hook. The remaining trace is almost invisible to the curious eye. Microphlebectomy is not accompanied by discomfort, the patient quickly returns to normal life. He is advised to wear compression stockings.
When performing sclerotherapy, a special solution is injected into the vessel. The tool glues the vascular walls, as a result, all the damage is healed. The duration of the rehabilitation period varies from three to ten days (depending on the patient's well-being). The patient should wear a bandage that fits the limb tightly. It is applied to the puncture site. The number of procedures depends on the severity of the disease. The duration of the treatment session varies from 5 to 60 minutes. It is recommended to stop smoking, hot baths and alcoholic beverages within three days after sclerotherapy.
Drug use
In the treatment of reticular varicose veins, drugs are used in different dosage forms:
- Pills.
- Capsules.
- Fats.
- Creams.
- Gels.
The drugs have a beneficial effect on the superficial vessels of the extremities. Reticular varicose veins are usually treated with the following medications:
- Venotonic. The preparations eliminate the problems in the legs, prevent the appearance of seizures and the appearance of trophic ulcers.
- Drugs containing rutoside. Medications help reduce capillary permeability, help eliminate edema. With the help of a special drug, the vascular walls are strengthened. Rutoside-containing drugs are used not only in the treatment of varicose veins. They eliminate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, venous insufficiency.
Advantages of physical therapy
Laser therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Thanks to the procedure, the content of cholesterol in the body is reduced, and tissue swelling is reduced. Laser therapy helps the patient to abandon expensive drugs intended for the treatment of reticular varicose veins.
The following advantages of laser therapy should be emphasized:
- Positive changes are noticeable after the second procedure.
- In about 70% of cases, the affected veins shrink to 3 mm after the first session.
After the session, the patient may feel pain. In some cases, the doctor prescribes the patient nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate unwanted side effects.
Magnetic stimulation involves exposure to low frequency magnetic pulses. After the procedure, the condition of the muscle tissue of the blood vessels improves, and the blood circulation improves. The average duration of pulsed magnetotherapy is 20 minutes. After the procedure, the swelling of the legs is significantly reduced.
Folk remedies against varicose veins
Treatment with folk remedies includes the production of decoctions for internal use and the use of ointments intended for external use.
The main benefits of alternative medicine include:
- Relatively low price of ingredients present in folk remedies;
- Ease of preparation of funds. You do not need special skills to use the recipes of traditional healers.
- Improving the general well-being of the patient.
| Folk remedy | Cooking scheme |
|---|---|
| Garlic ointment | The tool normalizes blood circulation in the body. To prepare the ointment, it is necessary to mix garlic, grated on a fine grater, and butter in a ratio of 1: 2. The mixture is applied to the affected area before bedtime. Cover the top with polyethylene or parchment paper. It is fixed with an elastic bandage or a thin scarf. In the morning, the dressing is removed, the feet are washed well |
| Sour milk compress | To prepare the dressing, a gauze napkin is soaked in sour milk. The product is applied to the affected area. The affected area is carefully covered with polyethylene from above, the limbs are wrapped in a warm scarf. The compression should be kept for no more than 30 minutes. The procedure can be repeated up to three times a day. |
| Hops tincture | It is necessary to pour 30 grams of the medicinal plant with 400 ml of boiling water. The tool is insisted on for two hours. It is necessary to take 50 ml of the drink three times a day. The duration of the treatment course is 14 days. |
| Rinse feet with cold water | Water is used during the procedure, which should be slightly colder than room temperature. When rinsing, you can add solutions of medicinal plants to the water: nettle, lemon balm, apple cider vinegar. Do not wipe your feet after the procedure. They must dry naturally |
| Kalanchoe ointment | To prepare the fat is necessary to take 0, 5 kg of fresh leaves of the plant. Kalanchoe is thoroughly rinsed with water and placed in a clean glass dish. The plant is poured alcohol in a ratio of 1: 1. The ointment must be infused for at least 10 days in a dry room protected from sunlight. The product is applied to the limbs with light massage movements. Kalanchoe removes painful sensations in the legs. The duration of therapy is at least three months |
Special diet
In the presence of reticular varicose veins, the following foods are usually excluded from the daily menu:
- Spicy food.
- Sweets.
- Salty spices.
- Strongly brewed coffee.
- Sweet pastries.
- Sour vegetables.
The patient's diet must be supplemented with the following products:
- Freshly squeezed juices.
- Dishes to which berries are added: viburnum or pomegranate.
- Green.
- Fruits.
- Dishes that contain grains such as rye or wheat.
The diet of a person suffering from reticular varicose veins must certainly contain foods rich in vitamins A, E, C and B. These are, above all, fermented milk drinks, nuts, citrus fruits, sea fish dishes.
Exercises for reticular varicose veins
Therapeutic gymnastics improves the outflow of lymph from the affected vessels. You can do this simple exercise:
- The patient should stand upright.
- You should slowly raise your heels and return to the starting position. When performing this exercise, it is forbidden to remove socks from the floor.
Therapeutic gymnastics helps increase the strength of venous walls. The only contraindication for training is the presence of trophic ulcers on the legs.
In the supine position, the "scissors" and "bicycle" exercises are performed. They must be worked on for at least two minutes (each).
Preventive actions
Many people have heard the crazy phrase that "the disease is easier to prevent than to cure". No one will doubt the veracity of this statement.
There are the following preventative measures that reduce the likelihood of developing reticular varicose veins:
- Avoid heavily brewed coffee, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
- Wearing compression products. It is recommended to wear them every day, once a day: in the morning or in the evening.
- Refusal of intense physical activity.
- Regular visits to the pool.
- Performing special exercises designed to prevent the appearance of "cosmetic" varicose veins.