Helpful Lifestyle Tips for People with Varicose Veins

Author: İzmir Can Hastanesi
December 28, 2023
1 min read

As part of a healthy lifestyle, take up a form of exercise you will do regularly.
If varicose veins run in your family, this means you are also more likely to develop the condition. Women in particular are at high risk during pregnancy and should definitely take preventive measures (compression stockings, plenty of fluids, exercise, etc.).
Pregnancy is the period when varicose veins become most noticeable, not only for women with a family history but for all women, because of problems such as the growing baby pressing on the veins in the abdomen, hormonal changes, weight gain and constipation. Taking preventive measures is therefore beneficial.
One of the most effective ways to relieve varicose vein symptoms is leg elevation. This should be done by placing medium-firm supports under the legs so that the legs are above chest level.
Cutting down on smoking and alcohol (especially strong alcoholic drinks) clearly helps reduce symptoms and benefits your overall health.
Tight clothing that constricts the waist, clothing that squeezes certain parts of the leg and very high-heeled shoes are not suitable for people with varicose veins. Symptoms will worsen during periods when such clothing is worn frequently.
Sitting with your legs crossed can worsen symptoms in people with venous insufficiency.
Because heat causes the veins to dilate, very hot thermal waters, hot massages applied to the legs, saunas and overly hot bath water are also among the things to avoid.
All conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure (obesity, constipation, heavy lifting) are harmful for people with varicose veins and should definitely be prevented. In many patients obesity, and in most patients constipation, is the main factor behind the progression of symptoms.
People who work standing or sitting for long periods are more likely to develop varicose veins. They can improve blood circulation in the leg veins with exercises they do while working.

The information on our website is not intended to direct individuals to any treatment. Do not take any diagnostic or treatment steps without consulting your doctor. The content does not contain information about İzmir Can Hastanesi's therapeutic healthcare services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should people with varicose veins pay attention to in daily life?

Exercising regularly, frequently raising the legs above heart level and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting help relieve varicose vein symptoms. It is also recommended to avoid tight clothing that constricts the waist and legs, high-heeled shoes and sitting with your legs crossed.

How does pregnancy affect the risk of varicose veins?

During pregnancy, varicose veins become more noticeable because the growing baby puts pressure on the veins in the abdomen, and because of hormonal changes, weight gain and constipation. For this reason, it is beneficial for all pregnant women, whether or not they have a family history of varicose veins, to take preventive measures such as compression stockings, plenty of fluids and exercise.

Why do heat, smoking and alcohol have a negative effect on varicose veins?

Heat (very hot thermal waters, saunas, hot massages) causes the veins to dilate and therefore worsens varicose vein symptoms. Smoking and drinking, especially strong alcoholic drinks, also negatively affect general health and varicose vein symptoms, so cutting down is recommended.

How do conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure affect varicose veins?

Conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as obesity, constipation and heavy lifting, are harmful for people with varicose veins and should definitely be prevented. In many patients obesity, and in most patients constipation, is the most important factor in the progression of symptoms.

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