How Can Varicose Vein Symptoms Be Treated?

Posted on Tue, 13 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 Answered on

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Itching first then redness and rash followed at site of varicose vein. over days developed into swelling down inside calf just below knee down and around ankle and top of foot. Get occasional leg cramps during sleep for several years. how should treat?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Most probable varicose veins - the commonest cause

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Please give some additional information for me to assist you better:

Please post clear and focused photos as these help more.
Since when have you got this problem? The Varicose vein too?

As per the history you have provided, the problems of itching, redness and oedema look to be secondary to the varicose veins hence I would advise you the following in such a situation:

First of all get the confirmation of varicose veins and the sites of back-pressure leaks by ultrasound and colour Doppler to get a specific cause.

This enables to plan a proper treatment.

If this is due to varicose veins the local application of any lotion may not help and on the contrary may cause problems.

Consult your Doctor and get a referral to a Specialist.
Use stockings that compresses the veins.

Elevate the legs above the heart level (with support) when in laying down position to empty the veins and reduce the symptoms and may also help for the night cramps.

Leg cramps may be secondary to varicose veins.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr T Chandrakant, General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar