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Lifestyle Changes to Help You Get Rid of Varicose Veins

Blog Author December 15, 2015
Varicose veins might be common, affecting nearly half of the population. But, that doesn’t mean you want to live with yours. Whether you want to be able to wear shorts again or just want your legs to look better, there are a number of things you can do to get rid of varicose veins. Depending on the severity of your veins, lifestyle changes might be enough to help minimize the appearance of the veins.

At-Home Options to Get Rid of Varicose Veins

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, lifestyle changes and at-home treatments are typically the first thing vein doctors recommend to help patients minimize varicose veins and prevent new veins from forming. Usually, making some changes to your habits can be particularly helpful if the varicose veins are more of a cosmetic concern and aren’t causing you discomfort.

Be More Active

Exercise and physical activity helps improve blood flow and can keep varicose veins from becoming worse. If you’re sedentary, it’s a good idea to work with a doctor to put together an exercise routine that will provide the most benefit, without putting too much stress on your body. Along with increasing activity, you can keep new varicose veins from forming by getting in the habit of changing position or moving more frequently throughout the day. Sitting or standing for long stretches of time slows down blood flow, making varicose veins more likely to form. If you have to sit or stand still at work a lot, set a timer so that you get up and move or at least change position every 30 minutes or so.

Change Up Your Wardrobe

Compression stockings can be very helpful if you want to reduce the appearance of varicose veins. The stockings put pressure on your legs and can keep blood from collecting in your veins. Although compression stockings are recommended, tight clothing isn’t. Try to avoid any garments that pinch or bind, such as skirts or trousers with too-tight waistbands and socks at that are too tight at the top. If the clothing leaves an impression or mark on your skin when you take it off, it’s too tight.

Lose Weight

According to the Office on Women’s Health, being overweight or obese can contribute to varicose veins, as the extra weight puts more pressure on your circulatory system. Losing weight might not eliminate your varicose veins, but it can improve blood flow and keep new ones from forming. Along with helping you lost weight, making changes to your diet can also help with varicose veins. If you switch to a low salt diet, for instance, your body is less likely to retain water or to swell, according to the Mayo Clinic. If lifestyle changes don’t help your varicose veins, treatment at a vein clinic might be your best option. Contact the Kimmel Institute today to learn more about how vein treatment can help you.