Reticular enlarged varicose veins lead to the appearance of a bluish vascular network in the lower extremities. This is why this form of varicose veins in people is often called "cosmetic" or "reticular".
What does the phrase "reticular varicose veins" mean?
Some doctors do not consider reticular varicose veins to be a disease. They call for it 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 usually do not pay attention to 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 point. Some experts are convinced that reticular varicose veins are the result of venous vascular insufficiency, so the disease should be considered immediately. Otherwise, the patient with cosmetic varicose veins will have serious complications. After all, it is unlikely that the situation is limited to the defeat of superficial veins, after a long time, varicose veins can spread to the deeper vessels 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.
- Appearance of blue nets. They arise from enlarged superficial small-caliber vessels and capillaries.
- Cramps in calf muscles.
- Pain in localized varicose veins.
External bleeding may occur in the advanced stage of the disease.
Causes of the disease
Reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities arise under the influence of the following causes:
- Taking contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
- Excess weight.
- Pregnancy and childbirth.
- ᲒNetic predisposition.
- Inactive lifestyle.
Heavy physical labor often leads to the appearance of a vascular pattern in the extremities. With excessive load on the legs, the venous walls gradually lose elasticity and blood circulation in the body deteriorates.
Diagnosis of the disease
If you suspect the presence of reticular varicose veins, the patient is interviewed. The doctor pays great attention to the following situations:
- The nature and localization of pain.
- Patient working conditions.
- Existence of concomitant diseases.
- Patient lifestyle.
- Existence of hereditary predisposition to varicose veins.
The specialist then proceeds with a visual examination of the patient. During the procedure, the doctor not only examines the spider veins, but also checks the condition of the skin near them: the presence of rings or swelling in the damaged area. For example, varicose veins on the face often appear around the eyes. In this case the doctor may see light purple bags under the eyes. Small venous and capillary networks are clearly visible on closer inspection. In the case of varicose veins of the lip, a small nodule of luxurious red color appears slightly blue.
Other methods of diagnosing the disease are also used. For example, ultrasound examination helps to assess the condition of the venous valves, reveals the presence of blood clots.
In the presence of reticular varicose veins, MRI is done only according to individual indications.
General clinical trials are also performed on varicose veins. This includes primarily blood and urine tests. General clinical trials can assess the likelihood of developing thrombophlebitis and thrombosis. They help to choose the right tactics for further treatment.
Classification of the disease
There is a special classification of reticular varicose veins. Its proponents, in addition to the six main stages, distinguish the zero stage of the disease. It is almost asymptomatic. Only a few patients experience a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
In the first stage of the disease, a thin network of small vessels appears on the skin. The next stage is to dilate the blood vessels. In the third stage of the disease there is swelling, the veins are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. In the fourth stage of the disease, the skin color changes in the area of the enlarged veins. May become dark brown. At a later stage, trophic ulcers may begin to form. In the sixth stage of the disease, the patient's condition worsens dramatically. With the help of medication it is impossible to deal with trophic ulcers.
Methods of treatment of the disease
The following methods are used in the treatment of reticular varicose veins:
- Taking medication.
- Exercises.
- Making decoctions based on medicinal plants.
- Laser coagulation or microflectomy.
It is almost impossible to completely get rid of a pronounced cosmetic defect with the help of medicines, folk remedies or therapeutic exercises. Therefore, in practice, treatment of the disease with minimally invasive methods (microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy) is used.
Laser coagulation and microflectomy for varicose veins
Microflectomy is performed under local anesthesia. The essence of this medical manipulation is to remove the damaged vein with varicose veins. During microflectomy, the skin is pre-cut with a thin medical hook. The remaining traces are almost invisible to the curious eye. Microflectomy is not accompanied by discomfort, the patient quickly returns to normal life. She is advised to wear compression garments.
A special solution is injected into the vessel during sclerotherapy. The tool glues to the walls of blood vessels, causing all injuries to heal. The length of the rehabilitation period varies from three to ten days (depending on the well-being of the patient). The patient should wear a bandage that fits snugly around the limb. It is used at 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 alcohol for three days after sclerotherapy.
Drug use
Medications are used to treat reticular varicose veins in different dosage forms:
- Pills.
- Capsules.
- Ointments.
- Creams.
- Gels.
Medications have a positive effect on the superficial vessels of the limbs. Reticular varicose veins are usually treated with the following medications:
- Venotonic. The drugs eliminate discomfort in the legs, prevent seizures and trophic ulcers.
- Rutoside-containing medications. Medications help reduce capillary permeability, help eliminate swelling. With the help of a special drug strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Medications containing rutoside are used not only to treat varicose veins. They eliminate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, venous insufficiency.
The benefits of physiotherapy
Laser therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Thanks to the procedure, the cholesterol content in the body is reduced, tissue swelling is reduced. Laser therapy helps the patient to abandon expensive medications designed to treat reticular varicose veins.
It is important to emphasize the following benefits of laser therapy:
- Positive changes are noticeable after the second procedure.
- In about 70% of cases, the affected veins shrink in size to 3 mm after the first session.
The patient may experience pain after the session. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate unwanted side effects.
Magnetic stimulation involves the exposure to low-frequency magnetic pulses. After the procedure, the condition of the vascular muscle tissue improves, blood circulation improves. The average duration of a pulse magnetotherapy session is 20 minutes. After the procedure, the swelling of the legs is significantly reduced.
Folk remedies against varicose veins
Treatment with folk remedies involves the preparation of decoctions for internal use, as well as the use of ointments for external use.
The main advantages of alternative medicine include:
- Relatively low cost of ingredients in folk remedies;
- Ease of preparation of funds. You do not need any special skills to use the recipes of traditional healers.
- Improving the general well-being of the patient.
| Folk remedy | Kitchen scheme |
|---|---|
| Garlic ointment | The tool normalizes blood circulation in the body. To prepare the ointment, you need to mix finely grated garlic and butter in a ratio of 1: 2. Apply the mixture on the affected area before bedtime. Cover the top with polyethylene or parchment paper. It is fixed with an elastic band or a thin scarf. In the morning the compress is removed, the feet are washed well |
| Sour milk compress | To prepare the compress, a napkin made of marl is dipped in sour milk. The agent is applied to the affected area. The damaged area from above is carefully covered with polyethylene, the limbs are wrapped in a warm scarf. The compress should be stored for no more than 30 minutes. The procedure can be repeated three times a day. |
| Hop tincture | It is necessary to pour 400 grams of medicinal plant in 400 ml of boiling water. Insist the tool for two hours. You need to drink 50 ml three times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is 14 days. |
| Rinse feet with cold water | Water is used during the procedure, which should be slightly cool at room temperature. When rinsing you can add to water solutions of medicinal plants: nettle, lemon balm, apple cider vinegar. Do not clean your feet after the procedure. They should dry naturally |
| Kalanchoe ointment | To prepare the ointment you need to take 0. 5 kg of fresh plant leaves. Kalanchoe is thoroughly washed with water and placed in a clean glass container. The plant is watered with alcohol in a ratio of 1: 1. The ointment should be applied in a dry, sun-protected room for at least 10 days. Apply the product on the limbs with gentle massage movements. Kalanchoe extinguishes painful sensations in the legs. The duration of the course of treatment 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.
- Savory spices.
- Strongly brewed coffee.
- Sweet cakes.
- Pickled vegetables.
The patient's diet should be supplemented with the following products:
- Freshly squeezed juices.
- Dishes to which berries are added: viburnum or rose hips.
- Greens.
- Ხილი.
- Dishes that contain grains such as rye or wheat.
The diet of a person with reticular varicose veins should definitely include foods rich in vitamins A, E, C and B. These are primarily fermented milk drinks, nuts, citrus fruits, seafood dishes.
Exercises for reticular varicose veins
Therapeutic gymnastics improves lymph drainage from affected vessels. You can do this simple exercise:
- The patient needs to stand up straight.
- He should slowly raise his heels and return to the starting position. It is forbidden to remove socks from the floor while performing this exercise.
Therapeutic gymnastics promotes the strength of the venous walls. The only contraindication to exercise is the presence of trophic ulcers on the legs.
Exercises "scissors" and "bicycle" are performed while lying down. They should be done in at least two minutes (each).
Preventive actions
Many have heard the saying, "It is easier to prevent disease than to cure it. " No one doubts the truth of this statement.
There are the following prophylactic measures that reduce the likelihood of developing reticular varicose veins:
- Avoid strong brewed coffee, cigarettes and alcohol.
- Wearing compression products. Wearing them is recommended every day, once a day: morning or evening.
- Refusal of intense physical activity.
- Regular visits to the pool.
- Perform special exercises to prevent the appearance of "cosmetic" varicose veins.