Do Varicose Vein Creams Really Work?

We’ve spoken a lot about varicose veins – what they are, preventative techniques, exercises, what surgery looks like, etc. But one thing we’ve never touched on is these varicose vein creams. What are they supposed to do? How do they supposedly work? Do they work? Should you try them? Here are the details.

Creams are often available over the counter (OTC) and the active ingredients often involve vitamin K and other hydrating and firming ingredients. They will help with the appearance of varicose veins and can be useful post surgery or if the veins are asymptomatic. Some may even have local anesthetics that will provide temporary pain relief in the affected area.

Much like botox doesn’t make you younger, novocaine doesn’t mean your teeth aren’t being drilled into, and bandaids don’t mean you haven’t been cut, varicose vein creams really only treat the cosmetic problems associated with varicose veins.

This may be a hard pill to swallow but there is no known way to repair a leaking valve inside your vascular system with a topical solution. With the underlying condition still present, if you stop using the cream, the veins will certainly reappear and any pain associated with them will return.

In our previous posts, we have outlined what varicose veins are and what causes them. These are conditions that will require surgery eventually if you want them to go away permanently. We’ve also outlined preventative steps such as exercise, compression socks, etc – these are great options on the front end but once you have varicose veins, they must be repaired or removed to be permanently gone.

I wish I could recommend a magic, over the counter bullet but unfortunately I cannot. Creams have their use just don’t confuse them with varicose vein treatment.

So, if you’re already experiencing unsightly swelling, or just want to get out in front of the problem before it gets worse, give Dr. Eston Wenger, of Premier Surgical Associates in Cleveland, TN at (423) 472-5423 or click here to request an appointment online. You can love your legs again!