Lifestyle choices
Natural therapies
Lifestyle choices
There are few things that other women have found helpful when experiencing varicose veins. These include:
Physical activity
Support stockings
Keep moving
Elevate the feet
Rest
Physical activity. Many women find that regular gentle exercise such as swimming, walking or yoga helps strengthen and support the muscles surrounding their veins, helping them to pump more efficiently and reducing discomfort.
Support stockings. Often full-length support stockings can be worn. Women who are on their feet most of the day say they help. Put them on first thing in the morning before getting up. Some caregivers suggest purchasing medical compression stockings called 'TED stockings'. These are thick and white (not a fashion item!) but may be worn around the house or under slacks.
Many women will avoid wearing tight socks and half leg stockings as these can cut off the circulation half way up the calf. Tight pressure in one area can slow down the blood flow from the lower legs and feet, making the varicose veins worse.
Keep moving. Moving on your feet is better than standing in one spot for prolonged periods. Try moving your feet at frequent intervals if your job involves standing behind a counter. Avoid crossing your ankles or your legs as this cuts off the circulation.
If sitting at a desk for long periods, put your feet up on another chair, or a couple of phone books. Try and move frequently on long plane trips to avoid 'Economy Class Syndrome'. You can read more on this in
travel during pregnancy.
Elevate the feet. Lying down with the feet elevated above the level of the heart (as many times as possible during the day) can help return the blood from the legs. Some women find that even 15-20 minutes at the end of the day can help.
Rest. Resting as much as possible. Some women will elevate the foot of their bed to help with circulation.