People who suffer from varicose veins have multiple suggested treatment options available, ranging from topical creams to outpatient procedures. Some treatments are more effective than others, and some downright don’t address the underlying medical issue. If you have varicose veins, here’s a look at what creams and vitamins actually can do — and why you might want to see a vein specialist for more advanced treatment.
Why Creams Don’t Work for Varicose Veins
Varicose vein creams are topically applied, and their benefits are literally only skin-deep. The medical creams can only reduce surface swelling and are unable to address underlying issues deeper in the muscles — like varicose veins.
Thus, medical creams may indeed address some cosmetic skin issues that varicose veins cause. Their effect will always be temporary, however, as they can’t treat the underlying issue itself. Without an actual varicose vein treatment, cream will always have to be applied and its effects limited.
The same is true for all topical applications, including creams, lotions and essential oils.
Vitamins Only Improve Varicose Vein Symptoms, Not Rid You Of Them
Ingested vitamins supplement the body, but their effect likewise is limited to only alleviating some symptoms that varicose veins cause. Vitamins are unable to treat the underlying veins themselves. (Some creams topically apply vitamin K.)
Vitamins offer a variety of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular function. Vitamins C, E, K, B6 and B12 are all good for vein health, as are supplements like folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and niacin. These all offer benefits ranging from reducing clotting and inflammation to strengthening vein and capillary walls.
No amount of vitamins can reverse the damage that’s already done in the form of varicose veins. While taking vitamins is generally wise and may help reduce the risk of new varicose veins forming, they won’t treat the ones that have already developed. The same is true for supplement pills.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
The good news is that there are many treatment options for varicose veins, and these include simple yet effective ones. Some of the most effective treatments are:
- Sclerotherapy
- Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
- Microphlebectomy
- ClosureFast
- Clarivein®
- VenaSeal™
- Polidocanol Injectable Foam
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
- Veinwave™
Which one is best for you will depend on the specifics of your condition and your goals for treatment. To learn more about these with regard to your individual treatment, you can meet with our vein physicians in Vineland, Voorhees, Sewell or Lumberton, New Jersey.
Contact Your Closest Vein & Vascular Office in New Jersey
If you’re suffering from varicose veins, don’t delay seeking treatment. Schedule a consult today with one of our vein specialists, and they’ll help you determine the best way to actually treat your varicose veins — and not just cover over them. At Vein & Vascular, we have a whole team that’s ready to help you.