According to statistics, about 40% of the fair sex suffer from reticular varicose veins. The disease does not pose a serious threat to life and causes only cosmetic discomfort. The main causes, signs and methods of treating this pathology are discussed in the materials of this article.
Reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities - what is it?
A disease called varicose veins has several varieties and stages of development. One of its most common forms is reticular. Pathology is accompanied by the expansion of thin veins that are located under the skin. Young girls and women are more susceptible to it, sometimes representatives of the stronger sex fall into the risk group.
At first glance, it may seem that reticular varicose veins is a dangerous and terrible disease. In fact, it is rarely accompanied by serious complications, but the symptoms bring a lot of inconvenience. Blue-red stripes on the skin make millions of women around the world unhappy, because getting rid of such a defect is not easy. Pathology sometimes manifests itself not only on the legs, but also on the hips. In advanced stages, the veins protrude so strongly that they can be easily palpated. In order to avoid such consequences, it is recommended to start treatment in a timely manner.
Causes of a cosmetic defect
Reticular varicose veins of the lower extremities are familiar to many ladies. The reason for this is the overly sensitive walls of blood vessels to sex hormones. By themselves, they are very thin and large. Under the influence of sex hormones, their walls become less elastic and lose their tone. As a result of these processes and taking into account daily physical activity, the vessels expand, appearing on the skin as a bluish mesh. An exacerbation of the pathology can provoke any disruption in the hormonal system (pregnancy, menstruation, puberty).
Also among the causes of reticular varicose veins, experts note the following:
- hereditary predisposition;
- inactive lifestyle;
- overweight;
- poor nutrition;
- excessive exercise.
Professional hazard can also be attributed to the reasons for this cosmetic defect. The disease is most common in flight attendants, sales assistants and teachers - people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
First signs of illness
The main symptom of reticular varicose veins is protrudingthrough the skin on the legs a vascular pattern of a purple hue. Most often, the venous mesh is located on the outer surface of the thighs and lower leg. It consists of spider veins, winding lines. In addition, a woman may be disturbed by other manifestations of the disease:
- discomfort in the legs, worse in the evening;
- severe puffiness;
- convulsive contractions in the feet at night.
Reticular varicose veins, the photo of which is presented below, may be accompanied by subcutaneous hemorrhages and severe itching. Depending on the severity of the pathological process, the characteristic pattern is present in the form of poorly distinguishable elements or extends over vast areas of the lower extremities. Venous capillaries are usually quite dense and well palpable.
Treatment at home
Timely treatment of varicose veins is necessary as a measure to prevent more serious venous changes. At the initial stage of the pathological process, water procedures are indicated. They have a hardening effect on the vessels. After taking a shower, doctors recommend directing jets of water from the feet to the hips, while alternating the temperature. Contrasting foot baths are also useful. You can add decoctions of chamomile or St. John's wort to the water.
Reticular varicose veins cannot be cured without changing the diet. Fasting and frequent breaks between meals should be abandoned. Under the ban are alcoholic beverages, coffee, spicy dishes and fatty meats, pastries. The diet shoulddiversify with fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals on the water. Such nutrition guarantees the provision of the body with the necessary nutrients, normalizes metabolism.
Physical exercises for varicose veins
Moderate exercise is also an excellent prevention of varicose veins. Physical activity helps to normalize blood circulation, restore lymph outflow. However, all exercises should be selected by a specialist, taking into account the development of the pathological process.
What are the most effective sports activities? Hiking in the fresh air is considered the best option. It is not at all necessary to sign up for a gym and exhaust the body by lifting weights every day. You can jump rope at home. This exercise stops reticular varicose veins. Treatment with folk remedies may not be required at all. In addition, jumping rope stimulates blood flow, preventing congestion. Morning exercises are also helpful. It takes only 15-20 minutes a day, but the first results are visible after just a few sessions.
Help of traditional medicine
Through the use of natural preparations, it is very easy to get rid of unpleasant symptoms. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, with the help of recipes from traditional healers, reticular varicose veins can be completely cured.
Folk remedies are divided into two types: for internal and external use. For cookinghealing decoctions or rubbing does not require a specialized education, it is only important to follow the proposed instructions. However, before starting the course of treatment, it is still worth consulting with your doctor. Consider the most popular recipes of folk healers.
For oral use:
- Medium-sized nutmeg must be ground in a coffee grinder. The resulting powder should be taken in a teaspoon before meals with water. Treatment is continued until the heaviness in the legs disappears.
- Vervain is used to strengthen the vascular walls. You will need to pour two tablespoons of the flowers of the plant with a glass of boiling water, heat it in a water bath and strain. The resulting medicine is taken in a tablespoon every three hours.
Recommended for external use:
- Decoction of white willow for foot baths. Two tablespoons of bark must be poured with a glass of boiling water, put in a water bath. The resulting product is recommended to be added to the water during medical procedures.
- You can prepare a rub. This will require 0.5 liters of vodka and the collection of birch buds. The mixture is recommended to infuse in a dark place for at least 10 days, stirring occasionally. Then the infusion must be filtered and only then used as a rubbing.
Folk remedies have always been used in the fight against reticular varicose veins. The described recipes have been practiced by healers for many years.
Medicated treatment
Progressive reticular varicose veins involves drug treatment. Properly appointedtherapy can reduce the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms and prevent the development of complications. For treatment, drugs from the group of venotonics (Venoruton, Detralex, Antistax) are usually used. They are sold in the form of tablets, ointments and gels. The dosage of pills is selected by the doctor. They should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and lactation. It is impossible to completely cure varicose veins with medication. Drug therapy can reduce swelling, provide lightness and comfort to the legs.
When is surgery required?
Launched reticular varicose veins with a complicated course requires surgical intervention. Modern medicine offers three options for getting rid of dilated veins:
- Removal of vessels through micropunctures. After the procedure, hematomas often remain on the skin, but they disappear within two weeks.
- Sclerosis of veins. The procedure involves the introduction of a special drug. Its duration depends on the extent of the lesion. The positive effect appears gradually.
- Using a laser. The procedure is carried out in three stages, absolutely painless for the patient.
After surgery, you must follow the doctor's recommendations: wear special compression underwear, lead an active lifestyle, give up addictions, etc.
Prevention measures
Can reticular varicose veins be prevented?The treatment of this disease takes a lot of time, a woman has to give up dresses and skirts, and discomfort in the legs in the evenings interferes with proper rest. Therefore, the fair sex from an early age should think about the prevention of this pathology.
Phlebologists first of all advise to adhere to an active lifestyle, walk more often and engage in feasible sports. In addition, it is necessary to review the daily diet in favor of he althy food. After a long day of work, you should give rest to your legs. To do this, you can take a cool shower or make special baths. Varicose veins are an insidious disease that manifests itself gradually. Therefore, do not delay treatment, but it is even better to engage in prevention.
