Varicose veins of the legs are a violation of blood flow from the tissues due to narrowing of the arteries and functional insufficiency of the venous valves. Blood clots in the arteries cause trophic changes, the formation of blood clots, deep ulcer defects. The fight against varicose veins of the legs is carried out under the supervision of a phlebologist, partly a vascular surgeon (vascular specialist).
Several groups of drugs are used in the form of ointments and tablets for oral administration. Medication use is strictly systemic because vascular treatment problems are more likely to be successful. The effect is incomplete when using only ointments or tablets only.
What ointments or gels should be used to treat varicose veins in the legs and restore blood flow?
The main directions of treatment of blood diseases
Therapy for varicose veins of the legs is a complex aimed at solving several problems:
- Elimination of the inflammatory process. The release of special mediators causes an inflammatory process in the tissues. Thus, increased vision, pain, discomfort and heaviness in the lower extremities.
- Eliminate swelling. Venous-lymphatic flow in the veins is disturbed, fluid accumulates locally.
- Restoration of adequate blood flow in the legs. Stimulation of complete contraction of blood vessels is achieved by activating the work of venous valves.
- Getting rid of pain syndrome, violence with varicose veins of the legs, a different kind of discomfort.
- Normalization of blood rheological properties. Restoration of adequate fluid connective tissue. Blood thinning should not be excessive.
The use of ointments and creams allows you to achieve results at the local level. Local violations are eliminated. But selectivity does not allow us to deal with the root cause of the situation. This treatment is incomplete. As a result, therapy is reduced to restore the functional activity of the lower extremities and prevent complications.
Ointments and gels for varicose veins of the legs
The choice of drugs is based on the above directions.
Eliminate the inflammatory process
There are two groups of drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and general-acting steroid drugs.
Mostly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used.
There is no major difference between them. These are ointments against the inflammatory component of varicose veins of the legs with a narrow spectrum of action. Apply 1-3 times a day in light, circular motions, depending on the severity of the process. More intensive use for therapeutic purposes is unacceptable, because the active substances will begin to be absorbed into the bloodstream through large vessels.
Also, do not use ointments based on anti-inflammatory drugs in the presence of trophic ulcers. Open wounds do not allow the use of ointment against varicose veins of the legs. After the epithelium (healing) is given, you can apply them.
The effect of NSAIDs is based on their ability to affect the sensitivity of receptors to inflammatory mediators. Pain, anxiety and heaviness are eliminated.
Steroids are used as a last resort. Only when NSAIDs are ineffective. Inflammation, pain stops, local tissue nutrition improves. It is not used in large quantities due to the possibility of provoking side effects of a generalized nature.
Eliminate swelling
Corticosteroids 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) effect are shown. The action of such drugs is based on the ability to contract the walls of blood vessels, stimulate the work of venous valves.
Some substances are stronger than others due to the higher concentration of the active substance. It is better to trust the doctor in the matter of choice, he will choose an ointment based on the "indifference" of the situation.
Application course. You should not expect a quick result, it is achieved after a few weeks. The manufacturers themselves note the need for complex use with 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 initiated process requires the use of an almost permanent ointment against varicose veins of the legs.
Elimination of pain syndrome
Anxiety and pain are relieved with the help of local analgesics. These are complex medications to fight pain and inflammation at the same time. There are few analgesics in the pharmaceutical market in the form of an ointment or cream.
The scope of application of these ointments, gels, creams is wide and is not limited to varicose veins of the legs. According to the instructions, it is applied 3 times a day for 7-12 days, then a break is required. Prescribing analgesics alone is not practical. They stop the symptoms and fight the consequences when the cause is not affected.
Normalization of blood rheological properties
involves the appointment of venotonics, as well as blood thinners. However, these funds are used with caution, because it is possible to increase vascular permeability, develop fragility and, as a result, local bleeding, hematomas, aggravation of varicose veins of the legs.
Complex ointments for varicose veins of the legs
These drugs have a systemic effect. They solve several problems at once. This is especially convenient in the case of early treatment of varicose veins of the legs: you do not need to take ointments with them, apply them on the hour. The most appropriate medication will be selected by a specialist.
Basic principles of therapy
How to properly apply ointments and gels to varicose veins of the legs to get the maximum effect in a short time?
- Do not prescribe treatment yourself. The mass of the nuances must be taken into account. If you have varicose veins in your legs, you should contact a phlebologist, surgeon or vascular surgeon.
- Strictly follow your doctor's instructions and recommendations. If an insufficient dose is prescribed, the therapeutic effect will not occur. Too much ointment will cause the active ingredients to penetrate the blood, there will be side effects. The beneficial effect will no longer be.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of ointments. If there is no improvement, consult a doctor to reconsider the course. The approximate time to assess the adequacy of treatment is 7-10 days.
- In case of side effects, including intolerance to the drug, ask to reconsider the course of treatment.
- Pain may indicate a blood clot. You will need to contact a specialist again to rule out the process.
Ointments, gels, creams for varicose veins of the legs are prescribed in combination with drugs in tablet form. Combinations of ointments themselves are possible. Many names on the market for monotherapy are not suitable. It is recommended to consult a doctor to get a quality treatment effect.