Vein disease can cause unpleasant symptoms from the cramping and heaviness in your legs to the appearance. The failure of valves in the veins that cause stretching of the veins and accumulation of blood can lead to vein diseases being spider veins, varicose veins, and venous insufficiency. There are some medications and also herbs and vitamins that may help slow the progression of venous diseases and treat the symptoms.
“Even though these medications and supplements may help, there have not been any medications or supplements that can completely prevent or treat venous disease. ” – Dr. Edward Mackay
Over the Counter Medications for Veins
Medications include pharmaceuticals, which can be purchased over the counter or as a prescription from your doctor.
- Aspirin: This is an old over the counter medication that is used for pain relief and more commonly, as a blood thinner by inhibiting the platelets (clotting cells) from sticking to one another. Aspirin can help to reduce pain and swelling from swollen legs and reduce blood clots from forming due to the accumulating blood within the veins.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): This a category of medication that includes both over the counter and prescription medications, for example Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Meloxicam. These medications mainly act to reduce swelling and pain, but also may inhibit platelets from sticking, thus preventing blood clots.
- Blood thinners: There are multiple medications in this category, which are all prescription, such as Coumadin and Xarelto, which are used to prevent blood clots in those with a history of blood clots or to treat someone that has blood clots.
Vitamins for Veins
- Vitamin B3: Also known as Niacin, has been known to improve circulation. You can also get vitamin B3 from eating bananas, tuna, wheat, and turkey.
- Vitamin C: Also known as Ascorbic Acid has antioxidants that help to repair cell damage and can increase collagen. You can also get vitamin C from eating oranges, lemons, and tomatoes.
- Vitamin E: Provides improved circulation and has been known to reduce clotting by preventing the platelets from sticking together. You can also get this vitamin by eating spinach, kikwi, and broccoli.
- Flavonoids: This is a chemical that enhances vitamin C. You can get flavonoids by eating berries and citrus fruits or taking the over the counter supplement Diosmin, which is formulated to contain a large amount of Flavonoids.
Herbs for Veins
Herbs are taken from plants that contain ingredients known to benefit circulation or reduce swelling. The common herbs that are used for cardiovascular health are listed here:
- Butcher’s Broom
- Cayenne
- Chromium
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Grape Seed Extract
- Horse Chestnut Extract
Medications & Supplements Can Help
Even though these medications and supplements may help, there have not been any medications or supplements that can completely prevent or treat venous disease. You should discuss these options further with your doctor, as taking medications and supplements should be taken into account with your current medication regimen and overall health for best and safest results.
To book an appointment with Dr. Mackay or ask a question, call (727) 261-0045 or fill out an appointment request form.
Video: Meet Dr. Mackay. Vein Expert in Tampa, Florida.
Meet one of Tampa Bay’s most trusted vascular surgeons. Dr. Edward Mackay has been helping clients prevent and treat vascular diseases. Click here to learn more about this board certified vascular surgeon.
