Varicose Veins Relief

If you have varicose veins and are looking for varicose veins remedies to help lessen the discomfort that they can cause, I have a few suggestions for you. There are several things you can do, some with advice of your doctor and some you can just do on your own, that can help lessen the discomfort and even prevent varicose veins from developing.

Talk to your doctor and ask if you are healthy enough to start a walking program. Walking improves blood circulation in your legs. Talking to your doctor first is important so you do not cause yourself other injuries. Get yourself a good pair of walking shoes before you start, too. Your feet and legs will thank you.

Losing any and all excess weight is another one of several great varicose veins remedies you can do and will take the pressure off your legs and help decrease the severity of your varicose veins. Walking will help with losing the weight and if you combine the exercise with a low salt, high fiber diet you will also help decrease the edema, or swelling that goes along with varicose veins. Talk to your doctor first before starting a diet plan.

Low heeled shoes are best to wear when standing for long periods of time or walking. They work your calves better. Standing or walking in high heeled shoes shortens the calf muscle therefore decreasing the blood flow and varicose veins and possibly pain or discomfort. Loosen up the clothes you wear, too. Do not wear tight clothing and steer clear of girdles or body slimming undergarments; they can cut off circulation to your lower body.

If you have a job where you have to sit or stand for extended periods of time, try to take a few breaks during your day and elevate your feet and lower legs above the level of your heart. This will not only help with blood circulation but will take some pressure off and decrease what's called dependent edema (swelling of the lower legs, feet and ankles).

Also get up and move around, do not sit at your desk for hours on end, move around for five or ten minutes every 30 minutes to an hour to keep the blood moving. If you have to stand for extended periods, bend your knees, stretch out a little, or do some deep knee bends to keep the blood moving. Doing these simple exercises when you are at work will not only help with the varicose veins but they will help keep you alert on the job, too.

One last thing you can do for yourself when trying to control varicose veins is, do not ever sit with your legs crossed. Think about it, when you sit with your legs crossed for an extended period of time, does your foot fall asleep? This is a circulation issue and should be avoided at all costs. Crossing your legs when sitting will cut off the circulation in your lower legs increasing the likelihood you will develop varicose veins later in life. Prevent varicose veins by not crossing your legs when you are sitting.

If any of these suggestions for varicose veins remedies do not help relieve the discomfort you are experiencing, speak with your doctor about other treatment options available to you.