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Varicose veins Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.

Answers to questions about varicose veins

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Are there any medicines that my doctor could prescribe to treat my varicose veins?

No, there is no evidence that creams or medicines are effective in the treatment of varicose veins.

Explanation

Over the years many different medicines and creams have been tried for the treatment of varicose veins. However, apart from rutoside (eg Paroven), there is no evidence to suggest that any of these medicines can be used to effectively treat varicose veins.

A small clinical trial in women with varicose veins has shown that rutoside can reduce symptoms such as night cramps and feelings of tiredness.

There is no evidence to suggest that herbal creams, lotions and other medicines for poor circulation are effective for the treatment of varicose veins.

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Further information

Sources

  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 54th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2007:118, 633
  • Bamigboye AA, Smyth R. Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. Art. No: CD001066.pub2. www.cochrane.org
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What changes can I make to my diet and lifestyle to reduce my risk of developing varicose veins?

You can't always prevent varicose veins from developing, but there are steps that you can take that makes developing them less likely. You can help prevent varicose veins by improving your circulation and muscle tone, for example by taking regular exercise, losing excess weight and stopping smoking. Don't wear tight-fitting clothes that can restrict your circulation and don't sit or stand still for long periods of time, particularly if you're pregnant.

Explanation

Although you can't always prevent varicose veins from developing, taking regular exercise is a great way to improve your circulation and general health. Your GP can advise you on the best types of exercise for you.

If your job involves a lot of standing, try to change position frequently and move around every 30 minutes. Gentle movement of your feet will help you to stretch your calf muscles and increase your circulation. When sitting, don't cross your legs because this can restrict your circulation. Don't wear tight-fitting clothing as this can also restrict your circulation. Try to take regular breaks throughout the day and, when you do, keep your legs raised while you are resting. Ideally, you should raise your legs above the level of your heart - this can be achieved by lying down and resting your legs on something comfortable that keeps your legs raised.

As being overweight can be a cause of varicose veins, try to lose excess weight by eating healthily and taking regular exercise. This will take any extra pressure off your circulatory system and your heart will find it easier to pump blood around your body. Your GP will be able to advise you on the best ways to lose weight.

Stopping smoking may reduce your risk of developing varicose veins and will also greatly improve your general health.

If you're pregnant and have developed varicose veins, you should wear compression stockings to relieve any swelling and aching of the legs and to prevent more varicose veins from developing. Compression stockings work by putting pressure on your veins to improve your circulation.

Further information

Sources

  • London NJ, Nash R. ABC of arterial and venous disease. Varicose veins. BMJ 2000; 320:1391-1394. www.bmj.com
  • Bamigboye AA, Smyth R. Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. Art. No: CD001066.pub2. www.cochrane.org
  • Longmore M, Wilkinson IB, Rajagopalan S. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004:528-529
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I have varicose veins. Does this mean I'm more likely to develop a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

The veins in your legs that can become varicose are different to the ones deep within your legs where a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur. If you have varicose veins, you do not have an increased risk of DVT in normal daily life, but this risk may increase if you have had to undergo surgery on your stomach, bones, joints, muscles or ligaments.

Explanation

Many people with varicose veins worry about blood clots forming in their leg veins (DVT). However, the superficial veins in your legs that can develop into varicose veins are different to the ones deeper within your leg where DVT can occur. There is no evidence to suggest that having varicose veins can increase your risk of DVT during your normal daily life.

If you have varicose veins, you may be at increased risk of DVT if you have major surgery on your stomach, bones, joints, muscles or ligaments. This is because DVT may develop in association with varicose veins because of an underlying problem with the deep veins in your legs.

There is no evidence that women with varicose veins who take the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have a higher risk of DVT than women without varicose veins.

Although they are not related, varicose veins and DVT can still occur in the same person and, on rare occasions, varicose veins may form as a result of DVT.

Further information

Sources

  • Campbell B. Varicose veins and their management. BMJ 2006; 333:287-292. www.bmj.com
  • London NJ, Nash R. ABC of arterial and venous disease. Varicose veins. BMJ 2000; 320:1391-1394. www.bmj.com
  • Allman KG, Wilson IH. Oxford Handbook of Anaesthesia. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006:328-331
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: May 2009

 

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