Varicose veins of the lower extremities: symptoms and treatment

Vascular diseases have many different symptoms and it is not always possible for a person without medical training to understand them. Any chronic disease has its own clinical picture and requires certain treatment. There is a classification according to the nature of the disease process, therefore, pathology is distinguished occurring in mild and severe forms.

A patient with varicose veins of the lower extremities at his venipuncture appointment

What is a reticular varicose vein? What diseases is he referring to? What if you were diagnosed with this? Is he dangerous? How to treat and how to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities? In our article you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. We will help you understand not only cardiovascular diseases but also tell you about their causes, symptoms and main treatments.

Varicose veins of the lower extremities: what disease?

The dilated appearance of thin veins located under the skin, the diameter of which are several millimeters, is called reticular or reticulent varicose veins. In other words, this type of pathology will manifest with an increase in the venous pattern. Often, the smaller vessels of the upper papillary layer of the dermis are affected simultaneously, and telangiectasias are formed - vascular "reticular" or "star" vessels. Patients develop linear, star, reticular, or branching "patterns" of interlaced veins and filamentous veins. They are bluish, greenish, ruby or lilac in color.

Signs of reticular varices of the lower extremities - dilation of small and reticular veins

Typically, reticular varices are localized to the lower extremities, affecting the veins of the lateral surfaces of the thighs and lower legs. Varicose veins of both lower extremities in the early stages of varicose veins are extremely common. It is worth noting that the area of localization of the altered vessels is not only the area of the legs and the whole leg, it can also be the face, abdomen and other parts of the body. The owners of a pronounced vein pattern on the skin of the legs are usually women, sometimes it is formed in men.

How serious is this diagnosis? Because the thin veins in the skin are affected, the nature of the disease is classified as mild, the degree of manifestation of venous insufficiency initially. It is generally accepted that the only inconvenience would be the poor appearance of the patient, who has been diagnosed with reticular veins of the lower extremities. But not all experts adhere to this opinion.

Expert opinion

Despite the fact that reticular varices mostly have a mild course, it is primarily a disease of the superficial veins, which is considered one of the first manifestations of venous insufficiency. If you do not pay attention to varicose veins for a long time, it is possible that a symptom complex will develop and the situation will worsen, the formation of veins and trophic ulcers at the site of the vascular "mesh".

Smoking is one of the reasons for the development of varicose veins

Reticular varicose veins of the legs: causes

In the majority of cases, vascular disease develops as a result of a combination of factors that trigger the pathological process, therefore, they are considered multifactorial. But still, when studying the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, the main reason for the appearance of reticular veins is a genetic predisposition. In individuals with an unfavorable combination of genetic factors, a certain structure of the venous wall has been identified, which leads to the appearance of varicose veins. For this reason, there is a congenital weakness of the vascular walls, which occurs due to exposure in the womb to factors that are pathogenic to the fetus.

In addition to the above-defined structural features of the venous canal, the development of varicose veins is facilitated by:

  • the presence of bad habits - alcohol and smoking;

  • unbalanced diet, indulgent dieters (including vegetarians);

  • hormonal imbalances and hormone therapy;

  • pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, menopause;

  • overweight;

  • inactive lifestyle;

  • arterial hypertension;

  • severe liver damage;

  • allergic reaction;

  • occupational activity associated with a static load on the legs ("sitting" / "standing" work);

  • wearing uncomfortable clothing and footwear (squeezing elements, shaping underwear, elongating narrow shoes, etc. ).

Sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work contribute to the appearance of venous insufficiency

Unfortunately, the pre-conditions that lead to the development of reticular varices are not limited to this list. Customers of hair removal salons, chemical peels and tanning salons are also at risk; and people who go to the gym to strengthen their legs, as well as those who choose sports with a high degree of load (jumping, jerking, etc. ).

Signs and symptoms of reticular varicose veins

What is the clinical picture of varicocele? One of the first and often only signs of varicose veins in the early stages of varicose veins is clearly visible purple-red veins under the skin. A mesh of the thinnest vessels occurs predominantly on the medial and posterior surfaces of the thighs and ankles. In extremely rare cases, it can be painful to press on.

Reticular varices are characterized by edema, tightness, heaviness, itching, hemorrhage in the skin, spontaneous fever in the legs, and involuntary spasms of the calf muscles.

Ignoring the main symptoms of the disease leads to its progression and complications. Remember that with perfectly healthy vessels, they will never be visible. Therefore, even if the spider web of the finest veins does not cause you any inconvenience, it is most likely only temporary. Any disease is easier to get rid of and may even have no consequences if it is treated promptly.

Diagnosis of varicose veins of the legs by ultrasound

Reticular varicose veins of the legs: treatment

In this part of the article, we will talk in detail about how to cure varicocele. We'll answer the most important questions - what should be the order of action if you notice signs of varicose veins in yourself, your doctor, and many others.

As the first step on the road to recovery, if you notice one or more of the symptoms of a varicocele, you should see your doctor. In this case, you can contact a therapist, who will refer you to a vascular surgeon, a cardiologist or a veniologist, or go directly to doctors with a narrow specialty in the field. venous disease. Any of them will first interview the patient and examine the feet, legs, and thighs. After that, a preliminary diagnosis will be announced, and an examination plan will be drawn up to establish a final clinical diagnosis. The patient's examination plan will include the necessary diagnoses - laboratory and instrumentation. To obtain maximum information about the condition of the deep veins, the severity of the superficial changes, and the consistency of the opaque veins, the patient is ordered to undergo ultrasound. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will re-evaluate the signs of the disease, select the optimal treatment method and make recommendations.

How to treat mesh veins? Their treatment, like the treatment of any vascular disease, is carried out in two ways: conservatively and surgically. Each method consists of a set of methods.

Careful treatment of varicose veins includes the specialist's recommendations for lifestyle and nutrition. Unfortunately, despite the obvious benefits of the principles of eating well and living a healthy lifestyle, we do not give these concepts the necessary importance. All systems and organs of the human body will never function properly without bad habits and without moderate physical activity, proper rest, proper lifestyle and nutrition. .

Proper nutrition helps to promote health and prevent all diseases.

For a patient with developing varicose veins:

  • should not eat smoked, spicy, fried foods, also need to reduce salty and sweet foods;

  • do not take long breaks between meals and fasting;

  • A large amount of berries, fruits, vegetables and herbs should be kept steady in the diet;

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

  • it's better to give preference to fresh juices over carbonated drinks.

Proper nutrition in the treatment of varicose veins

It is very difficult to rebuild your habitual behavior on the basis of a healthy lifestyle and just start eating right away. Just by making efforts 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 offer a home water treatment. Contrast showering for the feet stimulates blood circulation, optimizes the function of the valve apparatus of the veins and increases the tone of the venous walls.

Expert opinion

To eliminate the symptoms that are caused by reticular varicose veins, drug therapy is applied. The action on the veins is carried out in a complex way: internally - with tablets and capsules, as well as externally - by applying an ointment, gel or cream. Medicines are also used to stop the progression of the disease and eliminate the risk of complications.

For these purposes, doctors prescribe preparations of the venotonic group, based on synthetic and natural plant components. These funds have a wide range of therapeutic activities and have a systemic effect:

  • helps to improve blood circulation;

  • eliminate pain syndrome and a feeling of heaviness in the legs;

  • has a positive effect on strengthening the walls of blood vessels and capillaries;

  • prevent the development of puffiness;

  • stop the inflammatory process;

  • help get rid of hematoma, etc. v.

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

Particular attention should be paid to a factor in the development of vascular pathologies during pregnancy and in particular to the correct treatment of reticular varicose veins during this period. During pregnancy, all treatments should be as safe as possible.

To minimize reticular varicose veins, even during pregnancy, experts recommend wearing compression underwear.

These can be knee-high socks, stockings, or elastic bands. Compression layer directly affects the type of linen - it can be both prophylactic (0-1 degrees) and therapeutic (2-3 degrees).

In cases of varices requiring immediate removal or rapidly progressing disease, small ablation surgery, laser therapy (photocoagulation), microsurgery of the varicocele and varicocele are recommended. reticular sclerotherapy. Treatment of varicose veins by which method is most appropriate is determined by the doctor individually for each patient.

Exercises are highly desirable to prevent varicose veins

Reticulum varicose veins: gymnastics

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

The set of exercises is not difficult and varied. For each patient, the therapist in the gym will create a program of 3-5 movements, which should be performed at least twice a day, 10-15 times for each approach. Exercises will be appropriate to the physical ability, age, and other characteristics of the patient.

The most popular exercises are considered "double horse", "cycling", "pull", heel-to-toe rolling, walking in place, and others.

The expert will tell you how to do this or that move correctly and tell you what to avoid when choosing exercises on your own.

Varicose veins of the testicles: treatment with folk remedies

Some patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities are interested in the question of whether folk remedies can be cured? The use of alternative medicine methods as part of complex therapy is not excluded.

With the help of folk recipes for internal and external use, the symptoms can be alleviated. Based on the result of many years of experience, it is considered to be extremely effective products based on natural garlic, birch buds, horse chestnut berries, verbena, nutmeg, ha shou wu and natural apple cider vinegar.

As a rule, most popular recipes have no special contraindications, but it is worth remembering that self-medication can cause irreparable harm. Therefore, the use in the treatment of varicose veins of any alternative formulation, even the most innocuous at first glance, should always be approved by the attending physician.

For an accurate diagnosis, contact a specialist.