Prevention of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

There are several easy things you can do to help prevent varicose and spider veins and to relieve discomfort from the ones you have:

• Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen to limit spider veins on the face.

• Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work your legs, such as walking or running.

• Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs.

• Do not cross your legs when sitting. However, try to elevate your legs when resting.

• Do not stand for long periods of time. If you have to stand for long periods of time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you have to sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk approximately every 30 minutes.

• Wear elastic support stockings, but avoid clothing that is too tight or that will constrict your waist, groin, or legs.

• Make sure to include high-fiber foods in your diet since constipation can contribute to varicose veins. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Control your salt-intake. Salt, or sodium, can cause you to retain water or swell.