Reticular advanced varicose veins lead to the appearance of a bluish vascular network in the lower extremities. That is why among people this form of varicose veins is often called "cosmetic" or "reticulate".
What does the term "network varicose veins" mean?
Some doctors do not consider reticular varicose veins a disease. They insist that it 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, as a rule, do not focus on this.
In Western countries there is no special term "reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities", experts do not think what it is.
Other doctors disagree on this issue. Some experts are convinced that reticular varicose veins are the result of venous valve insufficiency, which is why the disease should be treated immediately. Otherwise, the patient suffering from cosmetic varicose veins will have serious complications. In the end, the situation is unlikely to be limited to the defeat of superficial veins, after a long time varicose veins can spread to the deep 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.
- The appearance of blue nets. They are formed by dilated superficial vessels and capillaries of small caliber.
- Cramps in the muscles of the calf.
- Pain in the localization of varicose veins.
At an advanced stage of the disease, external bleeding may occur.
Causes of the disease
Reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities occur under the influence of the following causes:
- Taking contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
- Overweight.
- Pregnancy and birth.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Inactive lifestyle.
Heavy physical work often leads to the appearance of a vascular pattern in the limbs. When the legs are overloaded, the venous walls gradually lose their elasticity and the blood circulation in the body deteriorates.
Diagnosis of the disease
If reticular varicose veins are suspected, the patient is interviewed. The doctor pays great attention to the following circumstances:
- The nature and location of pain.
- Working conditions of the patient.
- 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 near them: the presence of seals or swelling in the affected area. For example, varicose veins on the face often appear in the eye area. In this case, the doctor may see light purple bags under the eyes. When viewed from a closer distance, the small venous and capillary networks are clearly visible. With varicose veins on the lips, a small nodule appears with a deep red tinge with a slight blue.
Other methods are used to diagnose the disease. For example, ultrasound helps to assess the condition of the venous valves, reveals the presence of blood clots.
MRI in the presence of reticular varicose veins is performed only on individual indications.
In varicose veins, general clinical trials are also performed. These include mainly blood and urine tests. Thanks to general clinical studies, it is possible to 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. His supporters, in addition to the six main stages, also 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 consisting of small vessels appears through the skin. The next step is to dilate the blood vessels. In the third stage of the disease, edema appears, the veins stand out clearly 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. At the next stage, trophic ulcers may 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.
- Preparation of decoctions based on medicinal plants.
- Perform laser coagulation or microphlebectomy.
It is almost impossible to completely get rid of a pronounced cosmetic defect with the help of drugs, folk remedies or therapeutic exercises. Therefore, the treatment of the disease is practiced with minimally invasive methods (microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy).
Laser coagulation and microphlebectomy for varicose veins
Microphlebectomy is performed under local anesthesia. The essence of this medical manipulation is to pull the vein damaged by varicose veins out. During the microphlebectomy, the skin is pierced in advance with a thin medical hook. The rest of the trail is almost invisible to the curious eye. Microphlebectomy is not accompanied by discomfort, the patient quickly returns to normal life. It is recommended to wear compression stockings.
When performing sclerotherapy, a special solution is injected into the vessel. The tool glues the vessel walls, as a result of which all damages are 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 snugly around the limb. 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, the drugs are used in various dosage forms:
- pills.
- Capsules.
- Ointments.
- Creams.
- gels.
The drugs have a beneficial effect on the superficial vessels of the limbs. Reticular varicose veins are usually treated with the following drugs:
- Venotonic. The preparations eliminate the discomfort in the legs, prevent the appearance of seizures and the appearance of trophic ulcers.
- Medicines containing rutoside. Medications help reduce capillary permeability, help eliminate swelling. With the help of a special drug the vessel walls are strengthened. Medicines that contain rutoside are not only used 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 content of cholesterol in the body is reduced, the swelling of the tissues is reduced. Laser therapy helps the patient to give up expensive drugs designed to treat reticular varicose veins.
It is necessary to emphasize the following advantages of laser therapy:
- After the second procedure, positive changes are noticed.
- 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 vascular muscle tissue improves and blood circulation improves. The average duration of a pulse magnetic therapy session is 20 minutes. After the procedure, the swelling of the legs decreases significantly.
Folk remedies for varicose veins
Folk remedies include both the production of decoctions for internal use and the use of ointments intended for external use.
The main advantages of alternative medicine include:
- The relatively low price of ingredients present in folk remedies;
- Easy preparation of funds. You do not need special skills to use the recipes of folk healers.
- Improving the overall well-being of the patient.
| Folk remedy | Cooking scheme |
|---|---|
| Ointment with garlic | The tool normalizes blood circulation in the body. To prepare the ointment, you need to mix the garlic, grated on a fine grater, and the oil 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 compress is removed, the feet are washed well |
| Yogurt compress | To prepare the compress, a gauze napkin is soaked in yogurt. The agent is applied to the affected area. The affected area is carefully covered with polyethylene, the limbs are wrapped in a warm scarf. The compress should last no more than 30 minutes. The procedure can be repeated up to three times a day. |
| Tincture of hops | It is necessary to pour 30 grams of medicinal plant with 400 ml of boiling water. The tool is insisted for two hours. You should take 50 ml of the drink 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 cooler than room temperature. When rinsing you can add to the water solutions of medicinal plants: nettle, lemon balm, apple cider vinegar. Do not wipe your feet after the procedure. They should dry naturally |
| Kalanchoe ointment | To prepare the ointment, you need to take 0, 5 kg of fresh leaves of the plant. Kalanchoe is washed thoroughly with water and placed in a clean glass dish. The plant is watered with alcohol in a ratio of 1: 1. The ointment should be infused for at least 10 days in a dry room, protected from sunlight. The product is applied to the limbs with gentle massaging movements. Kalanchoe removes 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 foods.
- Sweets.
- Spicy spices.
- Heavily brewed coffee.
- Sweet pastries.
- Marinated 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.
- The greens.
- Fruits.
- Dishes containing cereals such as rye or wheat.
The diet of a person suffering from reticular varicose veins should certainly contain foods rich in vitamins A, E, C and B. They include primarily fermented milk drinks, nuts, citrus fruits, seafood 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 up.
- He should slowly raise his heels and return to the starting position. When performing this exercise, it is forbidden to tear the socks off the floor.
Therapeutic gymnastics helps to increase the strength of the venous walls. The only contraindication for training is the presence of trophic ulcers on the legs.
The "scissors" and "bicycle" exercises are performed in a supine position. They should be done for at least two minutes (each).
Preventive actions
Many people have heard the haunting phrase that "disease is easier to prevent than to cure. " No one will doubt the truth of this statement.
There are the following preventative measures that reduce the likelihood of developing reticular varicose veins:
- Avoid strongly 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.
- Perform special exercises designed to prevent the appearance of "cosmetic" varicose veins.