Varicose veins of the legs are a violation of the outflow of blood from tissues due to vascular stenosis and functional disorders of the venous valves. Stagnation of the blood in the vessels leads to trophic changes, the formation of blood clots and deep ulceration defects. The fight against varicose veins of the legs takes place under the supervision of a phlebologist, sometimes a vascular surgeon (vein specialist).
Several groups of drugs are used in the form of ointments, tablets for oral administration. The use of drugs is strict in the system, as the chances of successful healing of venous problems are higher. If only ointments or only tablets are used, the effect is incomplete.
What ointments or gels should be used to treat varicose veins in the legs and restore blood flow?
Main directions of the treatment of blood diseases
Therapy for varicose veins of the legs is complex and aims to solve various problems:
- Elimination of the inflammatory process. The release of special mediators leads to an inflammatory process in the tissue. Hence the visual increase in the lower extremities, pain, discomfort and heaviness.
- Removal of puffiness. The venous-lymphatic drainage in the vessels is disturbed, fluid accumulates at the local level.
- Restoration of adequate blood circulation in the legs. This is achieved by stimulating the full contraction of blood vessels and activating the work of the venous valves.
- Relief of pain syndrome, severity with varicose veins of the legs, complaints of other kinds.
- normalization of the rheological properties of blood. Restoration of sufficient fluidity of the fluid connective tissue. The blood thinning should not be excessive.
The use of ointments and creams makes it possible to achieve results at the local level. Local violations are eliminated. However, selectivity does not allow us to tackle the root cause of the disease. This treatment is incomplete. Ultimately, the therapy is reduced to restoring the functional activity of the lower extremities and preventing complications.
Groups of ointments and gels for varicose veins of the legs
The selection of pharmaceutical types of drugs is made based on the instructions given above.
Elimination of the inflammatory process
It is carried out with two groups of drugs: anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal origin, as well as steroid drugs of general action.
Primarily, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs) are used.
There is no fundamental difference between them. These are ointments against the inflammatory component of the varicose veins of the legs with a narrow spectrum of action. Depending on the severity of the process, apply 1-3 times a day with light, circular movements. A more intensive application is not acceptable for treatment purposes, since the active ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream via large vessels.
Also, do not use ointments based on anti-inflammatory substances for trophic ulcers. Open wounds do not allow ointments for varicose veins of the legs. After epithelialization (healing), you can resort to it.
The action of NSAIDs is based on the ability to reduce the sensitivity of receptors to the effects of inflammatory mediators. Pain, discomfort and heaviness are eliminated.
Steroids are used as a last resort. Only when NSAIDs are ineffective. Inflammation and pain are stopped and local tissue nutrition is improved. It is not used in large amounts because of the potential for general side effects.
Removal of swellings
Corticosteroid drugs are used to treat edema. Complex active ingredients with anti-inflammatory, venotonic and healing effects are also prescribed.
Restoring normal blood flow in the legs with varicose veins
Ointments and gels with phlebotonic (venotonic) effects are displayed. The effect of such drugs is based on the ability to stimulate the contraction of the walls of the vessels, the work of the valves of the veins.
Some active ingredients are stronger than others due to the higher concentration of the active ingredient. It is better to trust the doctor on the matter of choice, he will choose an ointment based on the "neglect" of the disease.
application course. You shouldn't expect a quick result, it will be achieved after a few weeks. The manufacturers themselves indicate the need for complex application along with tablet drugs. The duration of a therapeutic course is 25-30 days, then a break and a new course. The frequency is not limited, but is determined by the severity of the general condition. The process initiated requires the almost continuous use of ointments for varicose veins of the legs.
Elimination of the pain syndrome
Discomfort and pain are eliminated with the help of local analgesics. These are complex means of combating pain and inflammation at the same time. There are only a few pure analgesics in the form of an ointment or cream on the pharmaceutical market.
The scope of these ointments, gels and creams is wide and not limited to varicose veins of the legs. They are used according to the instructions up to 3 times a day for 7-12 days, then a break is required. The appointment of analgesics alone is impractical. They stop the symptoms, fight the consequences when the cause is not affected.
Normalization of the rheological properties of the blood
Accepts the appointment of venotonic agents as well as blood thinners. But these funds are used with caution, since it is possible to increase the permeability of blood vessels, the development of their fragility, and, as a result, local bleeding, hematoma and exacerbation of varicose veins of the legs.
Complex ointments for varicose veins of the legs
These drugs have a systemic effect. You solve several problems at the same time. With early treatment for varicose veins of the legs, this is especially convenient: it is not necessary to buy dozens of ointments and apply them by the hour. The most suitable drug is selected by a specialist.
Basic principles of therapy
How to properly apply ointments and gels for varicose veins of the legs in order to achieve 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 on your legs, contact a phlebologist, surgeon, or vascular surgeon.
- Follow your doctor's instructions and advice carefully. If an insufficient dosage is prescribed, the therapeutic effect will not appear. An excess of ointment leads to the penetration of active substances into the blood, side effects occur. The beneficial effects will no longer be.
- Rate the effectiveness of ointments. If there is no improvement, consult a doctor again to revise the course. The approximate period of time after which the adequacy of treatment can be assessed is 7-10 days.
- If you experience side effects, including drug intolerance, request a revision of the therapeutic course.
- Pain can indicate blood clots. To exclude the process, you need to contact a specialist again.
Ointments, gels, creams against varicose veins of the legs are prescribed in combination with drugs in tablet form. Combinations of the ointments themselves are possible. Many of the names on the market are unsuitable for monotherapy. To get a high quality treatment effect, it is recommended to consult a doctor.