Typical advice for treating varicose veins is summed up by the letters ESES (pronounced SS). It stands for Exercise Stockings Elevation and Still. Exercising, wearing compression hose, elevating and resting the legs will not make the veins go away or necessarily prevent them from worsening because the underlying disease (venous reflux) has not been addressed. However, it may provide some symptomatic relief. Weight reduction is also helpful. Insurance companies often require some time in use of compression stockings, anti-inflammatories (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), and leg elevation before authorizing treatment. This may seem to reflect a conservative approach to treatment, but actually demonstrates an outdated understanding of vein disease, since these measures will not change the underlying problem. At best, they may slow the advances of the complications of chronic vein disease, but will not reverse them. Hopefully, one day the insurance companies will update their knowledge of vein disease and drop these requirements. In the meantime, it serves as a delay tactic in patients getting timely treatment.
What is the short term treatment for varicose veins?
About the Author: Dr. Daniel Monahan

Daniel L. Monahan, M.D. opened Vein Surgery and Treatment Center of Northern California in 2001. The name changed to Monahan Vein Clinic in 2011. He is board-certified in surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Treating vein disease is not something to learn in a weekend course. Dr. Monahan’s formal training included more experience in vein treatment than typical surgical training, and he carried this expertise into his practice.