Varicose vein of the legs is a violation of blood outflow from tissues due to vascular stenosis and functional failure of venous valves. Stagnation of blood in the blood vessels leads to trophic changes, blood clots, and deep ulcerative defects. The fight against varicose veins in the legs takes place under the supervision of a phlebologist, partly a vascular surgeon (vein specialist).
Many classes of drugs are used in the form of ointments, tablets for oral administration. The use of medications is strictly in the system, as this increases the chances of successfully treating venous problems. The effect is not complete when using ointments only or tablets only.
What ointments or gels should be used to treat leg varicose veins and restore blood flow?
Main directions in the treatment of blood diseases
Therapy for leg varicose veins is complex and involves a number of problems:
- Termination of the inflammatory process. The release of special mediators leads to an inflammatory process in the tissues. Therefore, visual growth, pain, discomfort and difficulty in the lower extremities.
- Removes swellings. In the blood vessels, venous-lymph outflow is disturbed, and fluid accumulates locally.
- Restore proper blood flow to the legs. It can be achieved by stimulating the complete contraction of blood vessels and activating the work of venous valves.
- Relieving pain syndrome, severity with varicose veins of the foot, other discomfort.
- Normalization of rheological properties of blood. Restoring proper fluidity of the liquid connective tissue. Blood dilution should not be excessive.
The use of ointments and creams allows you to achieve results locally. Local violations will be terminated. However, selectivity does not allow us to tackle the root cause of the condition. This treatment is not complete. Finally, therapy is limited to restoring the functional activity of the lower extremities and preventing complications.
Groups of ointments and gels for varicose veins of the feet
Medicines are selected according to the directions given above.
Eliminate the inflammatory process
Two groups of drugs are used: anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal, and general-purpose steroid drugs.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs) are primarily used.
There is no fundamental difference between them. These ointments are against the inflammatory component of the varicose veins in the legs, with a narrow spectrum of action. Apply 1-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the process, with light, circular motions. Intensified treatment is unacceptable for therapeutic purposes because the active ingredients begin to be absorbed into the bloodstream through large blood vessels.
Do not use ointments based on anti-inflammatory substances in the presence of trophic ulcers. Open wounds do not allow the use of ointments against varicose veins of the legs. You can use them after exfoliation (healing).
NSAIDs are based on the ability to reduce the sensitivity of receptors to the effects of inflammatory mediators. The pain, discomfort, and difficulty disappear.
Steroids are used as a last resort. Only if NSAIDs are ineffective. Inflammation and pain are eliminated and the nutrition of local tissues is improved. It is not used in large quantities due to the potential for general side effects.
Remove the swellings
Corticosteroid drugs are used to treat edema. Anti-inflammatory, venotonic and curative complex agents are also prescribed.
Restoring normal blood flow to varicose veins
Ointments and gels with phlebotonic (venotonic) effects are visible. The effect of such drugs is based on stimulating the contraction of the vessel wall, the work of venous valves.
Some agents are stronger than others due to the higher concentration of the active ingredient. It is better to trust the doctor in the chosen question, choosing an ointment based on the "neglect" of the condition.
Application course. You should not expect a quick result, it will happen in a few weeks. The manufacturers themselves point to the need for complex use, along with tablet drugs. The duration of a therapeutic course is 25-30 days, followed by a break and a new course. Frequency is not limited but is determined by the severity of the general condition. The process started requires almost continuous ointments against varicose veins in the legs.
Eliminate Pain Syndrome
The discomfort, the pain, is eliminated with the help of local painkillers. These are complex therapies to fight pain and inflammation at the same time. There are few pure painkillers in the form of ointments or creams available in the pharmaceutical market.
These ointments, gels, creams have a wide range of applications and are not limited to varicose veins of the feet. Apply as directed, up to 3 times a day for 7-12 days, then a break is required. Assigning painkillers alone is not practical. They stop the symptoms, fight the consequences if the cause is not affected.
Normalize blood rheological properties
Assumes the appointment of venotonics as well as blood thinners. However, these funds are used prudently as they can increase the permeability of the blood vessels, the development of their fragility and, as a result, local bleeding, hemorrhage, and exacerbation of varicose veins in the legs.
Complex ointments for varicose veins
These drugs have systemic effects. They solve several problems at once. This is especially convenient for early treatment of leg varicose veins: there is no need to buy dozens of ointments, apply them every hour. The most suitable medicine is selected by a specialist.
Principles of therapy
How to apply ointments and gels correctly in varicose veins of the legs in order to achieve maximum effect in a short time?
- Do not prescribe the treatment yourself. The weight of the shades must be taken into account. If your legs have varicose veins, consult a phlebologist, surgeon, or vascular surgeon.
- Strictly follow your doctor's instructions and advice. If an insufficient dose is prescribed, there is no therapeutic effect. Excess ointment leads to the penetration of the active ingredients into the bloodstream, side effects occur. There will no longer be a beneficial effect.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of ointments. If there is no improvement, see a doctor again to review the course. The approximate period after which the adequacy of the treatment can be judged is 7-10 days.
- If you experience side effects, including intolerance to the drug, ask for a review of the course of therapy.
- Pain may indicate blood clots. You must contact a specialist again to exclude the process.
Ointments, gels, creams are prescribed for varicose veins in combination with tablets. Combinations of ointments themselves are possible. Many names on the market for monotherapy are not appropriate. It is advisable to consult a doctor to achieve a quality treatment effect.