Reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities: symptoms and treatment

Vascular diseases have different symptoms and are not always understandable to a person without medical training. Every chronic illness has its own clinical picture and requires specific treatment. There is a classification according to the nature of the course of the disease, so that a distinction is made between pathologies that appear in mild and severe forms.

A patient with reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities at the phlebologist's appointment

What are reticular varicose veins? What diseases is he talking about? What if you have been diagnosed with this? Is he dangerous? How and how to treat reticular varicose veins of the lower extremitiesYou can find answers to the most frequently asked questions in our article. Not only will we help you understand in relation to cardiovascular disease, 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 an expansion of thin subcutaneous veins, the diameter of which is several millimeters, is called reticular veins or reticular varicose veins. In other words, this type of pathology is manifested as an increase in the venous pattern. Often the smaller vessels of the upper papillary layer of the dermis are affected at the same time and telangiectasias - vascular "networks" or "stars" are formed. The patient develops linear, star-shaped, reticulated, or branched "patterns" of interwoven veins and filamentous saphenous veins. They are bluish, greenish, ruby red or purple in color.

Signs of reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities - dilation of fine veins and vascular networks

Most often, reticular varicose veins are localized in the lower extremities and affect the veins of the lateral surface of the thigh and thighs. Varicose veins on both lower extremities in the early stages of varicose veins are extremely common. It is worth noting that the area of localization of the changed vessels is not only the area of the legs and legs as a whole, but can also be the face, abdomen and other parts of the body. The owners of a pronounced pattern of veins on the skin of the legs 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 disease is classified as mild, the degree of manifestation of venous insufficiency is initial. It is generally accepted that the only inconvenience is the unaesthetic appearance of the patient diagnosed with the reticular veins of the lower extremities. But not all experts adhere to this opinion.

Expert opinion

Despite the predominantly mild course of reticular varicose veins, 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, then the symptom complex may grow and the situation worsened to the point of the formation of varicose veins and trophic ulcers at the site of the vascular "network".

Smoking is one of the reasons for reticular varicose veins to develop

Reticular varicose veins of the legs: causes

In the vast majority of cases, vascular diseases develop due to a combination of factors that trigger the pathological process, and therefore are considered multifactorial. However, when studying the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, the main reason for the appearance of reticular veins is hereditary predisposition. In people with an unfavorable combination of hereditary factors, a certain structure of the vein wall is already established, which predisposes to the appearance of varicose veins. Because of this, there is a congenital weakness of the vascular walls, which occurs as a result of intrauterine exposure to pathogenic factors of the fetus.

In addition to the above-mentioned, predetermined structural features of the venous ducts, the development of varicose veins is facilitated by:

  • the presence of bad habits - alcohol and tobacco smoking;

  • unbalanced diet, passion for diets (also vegetarian);

  • hormonal imbalance and hormone therapy;

  • Pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, menopause;

  • Obesity;

  • inactive lifestyle;

  • arterial hypertension;

  • severe liver damage;

  • allergic reaction;

  • occupational activity in connection with static loads on the legs ("sitting" / "standing" work);

  • Wear uncomfortable clothes and shoes (crushing elements, shaping underwear, narrow shoe lasts, etc. ).

A sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work contribute to the appearance of varicose veins

Unfortunately, the conditions that lead to the development of reticular varicose veins are not limited to this list. Beauty salon customers who attend shugaring, chemical peels, and a solarium are also at risk; and those who go to the gym to do strength training on their legs, as well as those who choose high-impact sports (jumping, snatching, 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 in the early stages of varicose veins is a clearly visible subcutaneous vein pattern of reddish-cyanotic color. A network of many thinnest vessels occurs mainly on the inside and back of the thighs and ankles. In extremely rare cases, there may be pain when pressing.

Reticular varicose veins are characterized by edema, tension, heaviness, itching, intradermal bleeding, spontaneous fever in the legs and involuntary cramps of the calf muscles.

Ignoring the primary symptoms of the disease leads to its progression and complications. Remember that in absolutely healthy vessels they will never be visible. So even if you are not inconvenienced by the resulting cobweb made of the finest vein threads, it is most likely only temporary. Any disease is always easier to get rid of, and possibly without consequences, if treated in a timely manner.

Diagnostics for the detection of reticular varicose veins of the legs by means of ultrasound

Reticular varicose veins of the legs: treatment

In this section of our article, we are going to talk in detail about how reticular varicose veins can be cured. We answer the main questions - what should be the sequence of actions if you notice signs of varicose veins in yourself, which doctor treats them, and many others.

The first step towards recovery should be to see a doctor if you experience one or more symptoms of reticular varicose veins. In this case, you can contact a therapist who will refer to a vascular surgeon, angiologist or phlebologist, or go directly to these doctors with a narrow specialization in venous pathologies. Each of them will first interview the patient and examine the feet, legs and thighs. A preliminary diagnosis will then be announced and an examination plan will be created to establish a final clinical diagnosis. The examination plan of the patient includes 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 perforation veins, the patient is assigned an ultrasound examination. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor reevaluates the signs of the disease, selects the optimal treatment and gives recommendations.

How are reticular veins treated? As with any vascular disease, it is treated in two ways: conservative and surgical. Each of the methods includes a set of methods.

Conservative treatment of varicose veins includes professional lifestyle and diet recommendations. Unfortunately, despite the obvious benefits of the principles of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, we do not attach the necessary importance to these concepts. All systems and organs of the human body will never function normally in the absence of bad habits and moderate physical exertion, good rest, proper daily treatment and nutrition.

Proper nutrition will help improve health and prevent all diseases.

To a patient with developing varicose veins:

  • It is not advisable to consume smoked, spicy, fried foods, and it is also necessary to reduce the consumption of salt and sweets.

  • It is inadvisable to take long breaks between meals and starve to death;

  • a large amount of berries, fruits, vegetables and herbs should be stably maintained in the diet;

  • Eating whole grains, rye, oats, and barley for breakfast can help.

  • It is better to prefer fresh juices than carbonated drinks.

Proper nutrition in the treatment of reticular varicose veins

It is difficult to rebuild your habitual behavior following the basics of a healthy lifestyle and just starting to eat right. The patient will make an essential contribution to the improvement of his own quality of life through his efforts and by following the recommendations of the doctor.

Reticular varicose veins make for home water treatment. The contrast shower for the feet stimulates the blood circulation, optimizes the function of the venous valve apparatus and increases the tone of the vein wall.

Expert opinion

Eliminate the symptoms that provoke reticular varicose veins, drug treatment is required. The effect on the veins occurs in a complex way: internally - with tablets and capsules, as well as externally - by applying an ointment, gel or cream. Medications are also used to prevent the disease from progressing and to eliminate the risk of complications.

For this purpose, doctors prescribe preparations of the venotonic group based on synthetic and natural plant components. These funds 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 puffiness;

  • stop the inflammatory process;

  • help get rid of bruises, etc.

The dosage of drugs and the methods of their use are prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the signs of varicose veins and the dynamics of their development.

Particular attention should be paid to a factor in the development of vascular pathologies such as pregnancy and, in particular, the treatment of reticular varicose veins during this period. When carrying a fetus, all methods of treatment should be as safe as possible.

In order to reduce reticular varicose veins even during pregnancy, experts recommend compression underwear.

These can be knee socks, stockings or elastic bandages. The compression class directly affects the type of laundry - it can be both prophylactic (0-1 degrees) and therapeutic (2-3 degrees).

In cases where reticular varicose veins need to be cleared immediately or the disease progresses rapidly, miniflebectomy, laser treatment (photocoagulation), microsclerotherapy of telangiectasia, and sclerotherapy of reticular veins are used. Which method is most suitable for the treatment of reticular varicose veins is determined by the doctor individually for each patient.

Gymnastic exercises to prevent varicose veins are very desirable

Reticular varicose veins: gymnastics

To normalize the processes of lymphatic outflow, the outflow of venous blood, peripheral blood circulation and increase the tone of the veins, specialists recommend the systematic implementation of therapeutic exercises.

The exercise set is not difficult and varied. For each patient, a specialist in the movement therapy room creates a program with 3-5 movements, which must be carried out at least twice a day 10-15 times per approach. The exercises are adapted to the physical ability, age and other characteristics of the patient.

The most popular exercises are "birch", "bicycle", "scissors", heel-to-toe rolling, walking in place, and others.

The specialist will tell you how to properly perform this or that movement and what to avoid, choosing exercises for yourself.

Reticular varicose veins: treatment with folk remedies

Some patients with reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities are interested in the question of whether treatment with folk remedies is possible. The use of alternative medical methods in the context of complex therapy is not excluded.

With the help of folk recipes for internal and external use, symptoms can be relieved. Based on the results of many years of experience, it is considered to be extremely effective products based on garlic, birch buds, horse chestnuts, verbena, nutmeg, knotweed and natural apple cider vinegar.

As a rule, most popular recipes do not have special contraindications, but it is always worth remembering that self-medication can cause irreparable harm. Therefore, the use of any alternative medicine formulation in the treatment of varicose veins, even the most harmless at first glance, should always be coordinated with the attending physician.

For an accurate diagnosis, contact a specialist.