ABSTRACT
Varicose veins are a common problem affecting about 25% of the adult population in westernized countries. Venous ulceration is conventionally managed by compression treatment, which may be combined with ablation or surgery to varicose veins, perforating veins, and less frequently with deep vein reconstruction. Similar advances have not been achieved by drug therapy for varicose veins and chronic venous disease, although the development of orally active direct inhibitors of the clotting cascade has led to considerable advances in the management of venous thrombosis. In some countries drugs are widely prescribed, but in others few drugs are used in the treatment of varicose veins. For the more frequently prescribed drugs, the following effects were observed: calcium dobesilate reduced cramps and restless legs; Diosmin and Hesperidin benefitted trophic disorders as well as cramps and swelling; and rutosides were found to benefit edema.
