Q: Since a daily aspirin might prevent heart attacks and stroke, could it also help with varicose veins and spider veins in legs? Would it make the veins smaller and less visible since blood could flow through them better?
A: Well, taking aspirin daily may relieve the pain of varicose veins by thinning the blood, and thereby making it easier to circulate. Varicose veins are a common condition in the United States, affecting up to 25% of women.
But to really treat this condition, you should:
- Wear compression stockings.
- Avoid alcohol and coffee, as they can cause the veins in your legs to dilate.
- Walk. Walking is good exercise, as it can help the muscles to force the blood out of the deeper vein system.
- Not cross your legs when sitting.
Sclerotherapy procedure may also be used to treat this condition.
— Answer from Dr. Robert Fernando, physician on JustAnswer.
