Treatment FAQ

what otc treatment for varicose veins

by Weston Rohan Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen to alleviate occasional swelling and pain.

Procedures

Compression stockings, lifestyle changes, and surgery are the treatments of choice for varicose veins. While drugs may help with spider veins and reticular veins, they may not be as safe or effective for all but the smallest varicose veins. There is, then, no best medication for varicose veins.

Self-care

Superficial varicose veins normally do not require medical attention, but they should not be ignored. To relieve the discomfort, your doctor may recommend the following: Compression stockings, which you can buy in most pharmacies and medical supply stores.

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Fortunately, treatment usually doesn't mean a hospital stay or a long, uncomfortable recovery. Thanks to less invasive procedures, varicose veins can generally be treated on an outpatient basis.

What is the best medication for varicose veins?

Compression stockings. You can buy compression stockings at most pharmacies and medical supply stores. Prescription-strength stockings also are available, and are likely covered by insurance if your varicose veins are causing symptoms.

How can I get rid of my superficial varicose veins?

Can varicose veins be treated outpatient?

Where can I buy compression stockings for varicose veins?

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What can I take over-the-counter for varicose veins?

Analgesics. Pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins can be managed with over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or pain relievers such as acetaminophen.

Can I treat varicose veins on my own?

Treatment for varicose veins may include self-care measures, compression stockings, and surgeries or procedures. Procedures to treat varicose veins are often done as an outpatient procedure, which means you usually go home on the same day. Ask your insurer if varicose vein treatment is a covered expense.

What is the best medicine for varicose veins?

Drugs used to treat Varicose VeinsDrug nameRatingRx/OTCView information about polidocanol polidocanol3.5RxGeneric name: polidocanol systemic Brand names: Asclera, Varithena Drug class: sclerosing agents For consumers: dosage, side effects For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information13 more rows

How can I get rid of varicose veins naturally in 3 minutes?

1:052:10how to get rid of varicose veins naturally in 3 minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome exercises that you can do first exercise is going to be jumping jacks jumping jacks is aMoreSome exercises that you can do first exercise is going to be jumping jacks jumping jacks is a phenomenal exercise because you work your whole body you work your legs.

Is apple cider vinegar good for varicose veins treatment?

In short: no. Apple cider vinegar will not serve as a reliable form of treatment for varicose veins, whether you drink it or rub it on your veins.

Do creams work for varicose veins?

While prescribed pills, lotion, cream, essential oils can help manage the pain and mask the symptoms, these home-remedy products can't cure varicose veins. These topical products can't penetrate deeply enough into the faulty valves. It's impossible to treat varicose veins or spider veins completely with these products.

How can I reduce varicose veins naturally?

If a person has varicose veins, they can try the following home remedies to help manage the condition and improve symptoms:Exercise. ... Compression stockings. ... Plant extracts. ... Dietary changes. ... Eat more flavonoids. ... Herbal remedies. ... Choose non-restrictive clothing. ... Keep the legs elevated.More items...

Is ibuprofen good for varicose veins?

Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen can help to relieve pain caused by varicose veins. Pain relievers are often used in conjunction with compression. Despite advertisements, no medicines can really shrink or cure bad veins.

Drugs used to treat Varicose Veins

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Alternative treatments for Varicose Veins

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Varicose Veins. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Varicose Veins.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

What is the treatment for varicose veins?

Laser treatment in which light energy from a laser is directed at the vein causing it to gradually fade or disappear; multiple treatments are required and the procedure is used to treat small varicose veins.

What is the procedure where a chemical is injected into the vein to collapse its walls?

Sclerotherapy , in which a chemical is injected into the vein to collapse its walls so it can no longer transport blood

What is the best medicine for swollen joints?

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen to alleviate occasional swelling and pain.

Do you need a doctor for varicose veins?

A mild case of varicose veins does not usually require a doctor's care. You can find relief from the discomfort of varicose veins with basic at-home treatment and various alternative remedies.

What is the goal of varicose vein treatment?

The goals of varicose vein treatment are to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. For some, the goal may be improved appearance. Home treatment is typically the first approach.

What is the procedure to remove a vein from a varicose vein?

Cuts (incisions) are made over the varicose vein, and the vein is tied off (ligated) and removed (stripped).

Why do you inject a chemical into a vein?

A chemical is injected into a varicose vein to damage and scar the inside lining of the vein, causing the vein to close. This usually works best for small veins.

Can you improve your legs with varicose veins?

Some people may want to improve how their legs look, even though their varicose veins aren't causing other problems. In these cases, a procedure may be a good option, as long as there are no other health problems that make these treatments risky.

How to get rid of varicose veins?

1. Exercise . Regular exercise encourages better blood circulation in the legs, which helps to push along the blood that has collected in the veins. Exercise also helps to lower a person’s blood pressure, which is another contributing factor to varicose veins.

What foods help reduce varicose veins?

Foods that contain flavonoids include: vegetables, including onions, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli. citrus fruits and grapes, cherries, apples, and blueberries. cocoa.

Why do veins look purple?

Varicose veins have a dark blue or purple appearance and may bulge out from underneath the skin. Varicose veins can develop when small valves in the veins become weak. These valves usually stop blood flowing backward through the veins, and when they are damaged blood can pool in the veins.

What plant extracts help with leg pain?

Plant extracts. A review study from 2006 suggests that horse chestnut extract, Aesculus hippocastanum L., may help to reduce leg pain, heaviness, and itching in people with chronic venous insufficiency, which is a major cause of varicose veins.

How many people have varicose veins?

Around 20 percent of adults will experience varicose veins at some point. There are several medical treatments for this condition, though a person may also wish to try natural home remedies to relieve their symptoms.

How to help veins in legs?

A person may find that their circulation is improved by wearing loose-fitting clothes that do not restrict the blood supply to the lower body. Wearing flat shoes instead of high heels may also help with varicose veins in the legs. 8.

What is the procedure that uses a particular foam to close the veins and shrink them?

Sclerotherapy. This procedure uses a particular foam to close the veins and shrink them.

How to diagnose varicose veins?

Varicose veins are primarily diagnosed by their physical appearance. A physical examination and ultrasonography will determine the extent of the venous insufficiency to indicate the most appropriate treatment.

How to remove small veins?

Small varicose veins may be removed using injections of sclerosing (scar-making) agents. These drugs damage the inner lining of the varicose vein, and scar tissue grows back and blocks the vein. The body forms new veins, and the varicose vein is gradually re-absorbed by the body.

How does a saphenous vein surgery work?

The ultimate aim of surgery is to reduce the reversal of blood flow into the saphenous vein. This is usually done by closing off the connection between the saphenous vein and the femoral vein (ligation). Then, the surgeon may either cauterize the entire saphenous vein (endovascular treatment) or completely remove it (stripping). When the targeted, superficial vein is no longer available, the body will redirect blood from other superficial veins to the deep veins by growing new blood vessels.

What is the width of a varicose vein?

Varicose veins are visibly distended superficial veins with a width of 3 mm or more. They are immediately identifiable and usually occur on the ankle, calf, or back of the knee. Other visible veins, such as spider veins (telangiectasias) and reticular veins are often mistaken for varicose veins.

What does a spider vein look like?

Spider veins are visible veins less than 1 mm wide and look like small, flat, dark lines on the skin. Reticular veins are a little bit wider; from 1 mm and 3 mm wide.

What is the condition called when blood clots in the leg are backwards?

Swelling of the leg (edema) Venous ulceration. Serious blood clot conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Venous insufficiency—also called venous reflux —is the backward flow (reflux) of blood in the veins due to problems with valves in the veins.

Where does blood flow to the saphenous vein?

Blood flows into the saphenous veins from the superficial veins lying right below the skin. Valves in the saphenous veins are designed to allow blood to flow towards the heart, but close up and block any backward flow of blood. The great saphenous vein joins a deep vein – the femoral vein – near the groin.

How many women suffer from varicose veins?

According to Chicago Vein Institute, 40% of women in the USA suffer or will suffer from varicose veins. Most people want to get rid of these veins for esthetic reasons, however, they can be painful as well. Thats why we sent our esthetics team to do some work and find the best creams of varicose veins, as well as gather some tips on how ...

Why do veins pop?

As we get older, our veins lose their elasticity, which in turn causes them to stretch further. Then they pop to the surface of your skin.

Why do my veins turn blue?

The reason that they become blue is poor blood flow. Varicose veins have deoxidized blood in them.

Why do veins pop out of my nose?

In terms of causes, the skin around your nose is very thin, and therefore, the veins show. Also there are multiple blood vessels in that area that sometimes pop. If you’re working out or work in a physical type of work daily, its more likely that you will have these veins visibly appear in that area.

Does red light therapy work for rosacea?

Another very effective treatment for varicose veins and even rosacea is using red light therapy. It was proven to work many times and in fact, we wrote an entire post about the benefits of red light therapy, you can read it here. We specifically love the device by eternal beauty for a few reasons.

Is a spider vein cream effective?

It is one of the most effective creams when it comes to treating spider/ varicose veins out there. Based on a natural, highly concentrated complex that actually penetrates to your skin and treats the affected veins directly. Users are extremely happy with the results and they a mind blowing 95% success rate.

Can you get varicose veins from being overweight?

People who are obese/overweight are more likely to suffer from varicose veins. Generally, its known that varicose vein develop whenever there’s an issue with the blood flow.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment involves self care, medications of underlying cause and surgery in severe cases. Varicose veins during pregnancy will usually resolve itself after the delivery.
Procedures

Sclerotherapy: Foam solution is injected into the large vein to close the vein and seal it.

Laser surgery: Strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes veins fade and disappear.

Catheter assisted procedure: Catheter insertion, heating it and destroying the vein to collapse and seal.

Vein stripping: Tying a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing through small incision.

Ambulatory phlebectomy: Doctor removes varicose vein by series of punctures.

Endoscopic perforator vein surgery: To visualize and close varicose veins and remove the veins through small incisions.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

Exercise and weight loss, climbing stairs, compression stockings improves the symptoms.

Specialist to consult

Phlebologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of venous origin.
Cardiologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and management heart related disorders.
Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Your health care provider will do a physical exam, including looking at your legs while you're standing to check for swelling. Your provider might also ask you to describe pain and aching in your legs.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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