Varicose Veins Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Treatments are available for varicose veins. Many of them are simple things you can start right now.

• Elevate your legs as much as possible. If you can take half-hour breaks during the day to rest, do it. It is important to raise your legs up above the level of your heart to get the maximum effect, and to do this for about a half-hour each time.
  
  
• Wear compression stockings (such as Ted Hose or Jobst stockings). The key is to put them on in the morning before you start walking around and before your veins become more swollen. If you try them and experience worsening pain, especially after you have been walking, remove them and see your health care provider. You may have problems with the blood supply to your legs (the arterial supply, which provides oxygen).
  
  
• If you are overweight, try to lose weight. A healthy diet high in fiber and low in fat and salt can help.
  
  
• Avoid alcohol, which can cause the veins in your legs to dilate.
  
  
• See your health care provider if you have problems such as chronic constipation, urinary retention, or chronic cough. Relieving conditions that are causing you to strain may help with the varicose veins.
  
  
• Avoid wearing tight clothing such as girdles or belts.
  
  
• Do not cross your legs when sitting.
  
  
• Walking is good exercise. It can help the muscles force the blood out of the deeper vein system.
  
  
• If you are driving on a trip or working at a desk all day, try to get up and walk around every hour or so to allow the muscles to pump the blood out of the veins.