Ointments and gels for leg varicose veins: which ones to use, how to deal with the disease properly

which gels to use to treat varicose veins

Varicose veins in the legs are a violation of blood flow from tissues due to vascular stenosis and functional insufficiency of venous valves. Stagnation of blood in the vessels leads to trophic changes, formation of blood clots and deep ulcerative defects. The fight against varicose veins in the legs occurs under the supervision of a phlebologist, partly a vascular surgeon (specialist in veins).

Several groups of drugs are used in the form of ointments, tablets for oral administration. The use of medications is strictly in the system, as the chances of cure for problems in the veins are greater. When using only ointments or exclusively tablets, the effect is incomplete.

What ointments or gels should be used to treat varicose veins in the legs and restore blood flow?

Main guidelines for the treatment of blood diseases

Therapy for varicose veins of the legs is complex, with the aim of solving several problems:

  • Elimination of the inflammatory process. The release of special mediators leads to an inflammatory process in the tissues. Hence the visual increase in the lower extremities, pain, discomfort and weight.
  • Removal of swelling. The venous-lymphatic flow in the vessels is disturbed, the liquid accumulates at the local level.
  • Restore adequate blood flow to the legs. It is achieved by stimulating the total contraction of blood vessels, activating the work of the venous valves.
  • Relief from pain syndrome, severity with varicose veins in the legs, discomfort of another type.
  • Normalization of blood rheological properties. Restoration of the proper fluidity of the fluid connective tissue. The thinning of the blood should not be excessive.

The use of ointments, creams allows results to be obtained locally. Local violations are eliminated. Selectivity, however, does not allow us to combat the root cause of the disease. This treatment is incomplete. Ultimately, therapy is all about restoring functional activity of the lower extremities and preventing complications.

Groups of ointments and gels for leg varicose veins

The selection of pharmaceutical drug types is carried out on the basis of the above instructions.

Elimination of the inflammatory process

It is performed using two groups of drugs: anti-inflammatory drugs of non-steroidal origin, as well as steroids of general action.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs) are used primarily.

There is no fundamental difference between them. They are ointments against the inflammatory component of 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 movements. The more intensive use is unacceptable for treatment purposes, since the active ingredients will start to be absorbed into the blood through large vessels.

Also, 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 in the legs. After epithelialization (cure), you can resort to its use.

The effect of NSAIDs is based on the ability to reduce the sensitivity of receptors to the effects of inflammatory mediators. Pain, discomfort and weight are eliminated.

Steroids are used as a last resort. Only if NSAIDs are ineffective. Inflammation and pain are stopped and local tissue nutrition is improved. It is not used in large quantities, due to the possibility of causing generalized side effects.

Removal of swelling

Corticosteroid drugs are used to treat edema. Complex agents with anti-inflammatory, venotonic and healing effects are also prescribed.

Restoration of normal blood flow in the legs with varicose veins

Ointments and gels with phlebotonic (venotonic) action are shown. The action of these drugs is based on the ability to stimulate the contraction of vascular walls, 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 matter of choice, he will choose an ointment based on the "neglect" of the condition.

Application course. You should not count on a quick result, it is achieved after a few weeks. The manufacturers themselves point out the need for complex use, along with medication in tablets. The duration of a therapeutic course is 25-30 days, followed by a break and a new course. The frequency is not limited, it is determined by the severity of the general condition. The launched process requires the almost continuous use of ointments against the varicose veins of the legs.

Elimination of pain syndrome

Discomfort and pain are eliminated with the help of local pain relievers. They are complex remedies for the simultaneous fight against pain and inflammation. There are few pure painkillers in the form of ointment or cream on the pharmaceutical market.

The scope of application of these ointments, gels and creams is wide and is not limited to varicose veins in the legs. They are applied according to the instructions, up to 3 times a day for 7-12 days, then an interval is necessary. Naming painkillers alone is impractical. They stop the symptoms, fight the consequences when the cause is not affected.

Normalization of blood rheological properties

Assumes the appointment of venotonics, as well as anticoagulants. However, these resources are used with caution, as it is possible to increase the permeability of blood vessels, the development of their fragility and, consequently, local bleeding, bruising, worsening of varicose veins in the legs.

Complex ointments for varicose veins of the legs

These drugs have a systemic effect. They solve several problems at once. In the case of early treatment of varicose veins in the legs, this is especially convenient: there is no need to buy dozens of ointments, apply by the hour. The most suitable medication will be selected by a specialist.

Basic principles of therapy

How to correctly apply ointments and gels to the varicose veins of the legs to obtain the maximum effect in a short time?

  • Do not prescribe the treatment yourself. It is necessary to take into account the mass of nuances. If you have varicose veins in your legs, you should contact a phlebologist, surgeon or vascular surgeon.
  • Strictly follow your doctor's instructions and advice. When an insufficient dosage is prescribed, the therapeutic effect will not occur. An excess of ointment will lead to the penetration of the active components in the blood, side effects will occur. The beneficial effect will no longer be.
  • Assess the effectiveness of the ointments. In the absence of improvement, consult a doctor again to review the course. The approximate period after which it is possible to judge the suitability of the treatment is 7 to 10 days.
  • If you have side effects, including intolerance to medications, ask for a review of the therapeutic course.
  • Pain can indicate blood clots. To delete the process, you need to contact an expert again.

Ointments, gels and creams for varicose veins of the legs are prescribed in combination with medications in tablet form. Combinations of the ointments themselves are possible. For monotherapy, many of the names on the market are not suitable. To achieve a qualitative effect of the treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor.