Reticular varices lead to the appearance of a blue mesh of vessels in the lower extremities. So, in folklore, this form of varicose veins is often called a "cosmetic" or "retinal" disease.
What does the phrase "retinal varicose veins" mean?
Some doctors do not consider varicocele to be a disease. They wish to consider it as a cosmetic defect that does not threaten the patient's health. Men with mild varicose veins, as a rule, do not focus on it.
In Western countries where there is no special term "retinal varicose veins", experts do not think it is a disease.
Other doctors disagree on this. Some experts believe that varicocele is a consequence of valve failure of the venous vessels, so it must be treated immediately. Otherwise, patients with cosmetic varicose veins will encounter dangerous complications. After all, the situation is unlikely to limit superficial venous insufficiency; after a long time, venous insufficiency can spread to the deep veins of the venous system.
Symptoms of the disease
There are the following signs of mesh or cosmetic varicose veins:
- Feeling of heaviness in the extremities.
- Puffy eyes.
- Increased fatigue.
- The appearance of blue meshes. They are formed from superficially enlarged vessels and capillaries.
- Leg muscle cramps.
- Pain in the localization of the varicose veins.
In the advanced stage of the disease, there may be external bleeding.
Cause of disease
Varicose veins of the lower extremities occur under the influence of the following reasons:
- Take birth control pills to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
- Overweight.
- Pregnancy and childbirth.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Inactive lifestyle.
Hard physical work often leads to the appearance of a vascular pattern in the extremities. With a pair of legs bearing too much load, the venous walls gradually lose their elasticity, the blood circulation in the body is poor.
Diagnostic
If you suspect the presence of reticular varices, the patient is interviewed. Doctors pay special attention to the following cases:
- The nature and localization of the pain.
- Patient working conditions.
- Presence of concomitant diseases.
- Patient's lifestyle.
- The presence of a genetic predisposition to varicose veins.
The specialist then conducts a visual examination of the patient. During the operation, the doctor not only examines the spider veins, but also checks the condition of the skin near them: the presence of seals or edema in the affected area. For example, varicose veins on the face often occur in the eye area. In this case, the doctor can see light purple bags under the eyes. When viewed from a closer distance, the small networks of veins and capillaries are clearly visible. With varicose veins of the lips, a small dark red nodule with a hint of blue appears.
Other diagnostic methods are also used. For example, an ultrasound examination helps to evaluate the condition of the venous valves, indicating the presence of blood clots.
MRI in the case of reticular varices is performed only in individual indications.
With varicose veins, general clinical studies are also performed. These mainly include blood and urine tests. Thanks to general clinical studies, it is possible to assess the likelihood of thrombophlebitis and thrombophlebitis. They help choose the right tactics for further treatment.
Disease classification
There is a special classification of reticular varices. Its proponents, in addition to the six main stages, distinguish stage 0 of the disease. It has almost no symptoms. Only some patients have a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
In the early stages of the disease, a thin mesh of small vessels appears through the skin. The next stage is the expansion of the blood vessels. In stage 3 of the disease, edema appears, veins are prominent on the surface of the skin. In the fourth stage of the disease, the color of the skin in the area of the varicose veins will change. It may turn dark brown. At the next stage, trophic ulcers may begin to form. At the sixth stage of the disease, the patient's condition deteriorated markedly. With the help of drugs, it is not possible to cure trophic ulcers.
Methods of treating diseases
In the treatment of reticular varicose veins, the following methods are used:
- Taking medication.
- Exercise.
- Make a decoction based on medicinal plants.
- Perform laser coagulation or microablation.
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 with minimally invasive methods is performed (microscopic ablation, sclerotherapy).
Laser coagulation and microdiscectomy for varicose veins
Microflebectomy is performed with local anesthesia. The essence of this medical manipulation is to pull out the damaged vein due to varicose veins. During microdermabrasion, the skin is pierced first with a thin medical hook. The remaining traces are barely visible to prying eyes. Micro-ablation is not accompanied by discomfort, patients quickly return to normal life. He should wear compression knitwear.
When conducting sclerotherapy, a special solution is injected into the vessel. This tool glues the vessel walls, as a result all lesions are healed. The length of the rehabilitation phase varies from three to ten days (depending on the patient's state of health). The patient needs to wear a tight bandage. It is applicable to puncture sites. 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 of treatment.
Drug use
In the treatment of varicose veins, the drug is used in various dosage forms:
- Medicine.
- Capsules.
- Ointment.
- Creams.
- Gels.
The drug has a tonic effect on the extremities of the extremities. Reticular varices are usually treated with the following medications:
- Venotonic. Preparations eliminate foot discomfort, prevent the occurrence of convulsions and the appearance of trophic ulcers.
- Medicines containing rutoside. The drug helps to reduce the permeability of the capillaries, helping to eliminate edema. With the help of a special drug, the walls of the vessels are strengthened. Medicines containing rutoside are not only used in the treatment of varicose veins. They eliminate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, venous insufficiency.
Benefits of physical therapy
Laser therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Thanks to this treatment, cholesterol levels in the body are reduced and tissue swelling is reduced. Laser therapy helps patients forgo expensive drugs intended for the treatment of reticular varicose veins.
The following advantages of laser therapy should be highlighted:
- Positive changes can be noticed after the second procedure.
- In about 70% of cases, the affected veins decrease in size by up to 3 mm after the first session.
After the session, the patient may experience pain. In some cases, doctors prescribe patients to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate unwanted side effects.
Magnetic stimulation involves exposure to pulses of low frequency magnetic fields. After the procedure, the condition of the muscle tissues of the vessels improves and blood circulation improves. The average duration of a pulse electrotherapy session is 20 minutes. After the treatment, the swelling in the legs was significantly reduced.
Folk remedies against varicose veins
Treatment with folk remedies includes both the manufacture of a decoction for internal use and the use of ointments for external use.
Key benefits of alternative medicine include:
- The relatively low cost of the ingredients contained in folk remedies;
- Easy to prepare capital. To use the recipes of the healers, you do not need special skills.
- Improve the general condition of the patient.
| Folk remedy | Cooking chart |
|---|---|
| Garlic Ointment | The tool normalizes blood circulation in the body. To prepare the ointment, you need to mix garlic, puree and butter in a ratio of 1: 2. This mixture is applied to the acne-affected skin before going to bed. Cover the top with polyethylene or parchment. It is fixed with an elastic band or a thin towel. In the morning, remove the gauze and wash your feet thoroughly. |
| Compress yogurt | To prepare the compress, a napkin made of gauze is soaked in yogurt. The agent is applied to the affected area. From above, the affected area is carefully covered with polyethylene, the limbs are wrapped in warm towels. The compression should only be held for no more than 30 minutes. This procedure can be repeated up to three times a day. |
| Alcohol hops | It is necessary to pour 30 grams of medicinal plants with 400 ml of boiling water. The tool is emphasized for two hours. You need to take 50 ml of decoction three times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is 14 days. |
| Wash your feet with cold water | In this process, water is used, which must be slightly cooler than room temperature. When washing, you can add a solution of medicinal plants to the water: nettle, perilla, apple cider vinegar. Do not wipe your feet after the procedure. They must dry naturally |
| Kalanchoe Ointment | To prepare the ointment, you need to take 0. 5 kg of fresh leaves. Kalanchoe is washed thoroughly with water and placed in a clean glass jar. The plant is poured with 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 gentle massaging movements. Kalanchoe eliminates painful sensations in the legs. The duration of the course of treatment is at least three months |
Special diet
When suffering from varicose veins, the following foods are often excluded from the daily menu:
- Spicy food.
- Candy.
- Salty seasoning.
- Strong brewed coffee.
- Cake.
- Pickled vegetables.
The patient's diet must be supplemented with the following products:
- Freshly squeezed fruit juice.
- Dishes with the addition of berries: honeysuckle or rose hip.
- Green.
- Fruits.
- Dishes containing grains such as rye or wheat.
The diet of a person suffering from reticulomatous varicose veins should definitely include foods rich in vitamins A, E, C and B. First of all include fermented milk drinks, nuts, citrus fruits. , sea fish dishes.
Exercises for varicose veins
Gymnastics helps to improve the flow of lymph from the affected vessels. You can do this simple exercise:
- The patient should be upright.
- He should slowly raise his heels and return to the starting position. When performing this exercise, do not tear your socks off the floor.
Gymnastics helps to increase the strength of the venous walls. The only contraindication to training is the presence of trophic ulcers on the legs.
In the supine position perform "pull" and "pedal" exercises. They must be taken in at least two minutes (each).
Preventive action
Many people have heard the good saying that "illness is easier to prevent than to cure". No one will doubt the veracity of this statement.
Taking the following precautions can help reduce your chances of developing reticulo-varices:
- Avoid strong brewed coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages.
- Wear compressed product. You should wear them every day, once a day: in the morning or at night.
- Refuse intense physical activity.
- Go to the pool often.
- Perform special exercises designed to prevent the appearance of "cosmetic" varicose veins.