Varicose veins occur because the veins being stretch and pull due to gravity. They also may occur because of stress, obesity and old age, MayoClinic.com indicates. Varicose veins, which means veins that have become enlarged and gnarled, can occur as people get older. They also occur when people stand on their feet for long periods for their jobs. Nurses, for example, often get varicose veins. MayoClinic.com states that some people suffer from pain and other discomfort with this condition, as well as potentially serious health problems.
Step 1
Avoid crossing your legs. This type of sitting position causes problems with circulation in your legs. Move your legs when you sit to increase the circulation or blood. Varicose veins, MayoClinic.com reports, can indicate more serious problems with circulation.
Step 2
Sit down often if you are on your feet a lot. Do not stand for a long period of time. Sitting down and taking rest periods regularly can help reduce varicose vein problems. Also, do not sit for long without moving. When sitting, you should get up every 30 minutes and walk around to change your position to avoid problems of blood pooling in the legs.
Step 3
Elevate your legs whenever possible, particularly if you stand on them for long stretches at a time. Your legs should be elevated on at least three pillows while you rest. MayoClinic.com recommends lying down four times per day if you have varicose veins
Step 4
Exercise your legs by taking walks. This will increase circulation and decrease the amount of blood that pools in your legs. Exercise can also help keep your heart strong.
Step 5
Lose weight. Extra body weight can put extra pressure on your legs, causing varicose veins to occur. Less body weight also puts less strain on your heart, which makes you healthier and improves the circulation of your blood. A healthy body is low in body fat high in developed muscle. Eat high-fiber foods such as raw vegetables and fruits. A healthy diet low in carbohydrates, fats and salt will help the veins in your legs remain healthy, indicates MedlinePlus.
Step 6
Do not wear tight-fitting clothes; they can cause you to have difficulty breathing. Girdles and tight underwear cause circulation to decrease where the elastic hugs the body, suggests MedlinePlus.
