VENOUS EXERCISES

Guidelines for reducing some effects of varicose veins:

Raise your legs whenever possible with your feet above the level of your heart.

Exercise every day. Walking, cycling, climbing stairs and swimming are excellent ways to keep your calf muscles in motion.

When sitting for prolonged periods, move your legs frequently. moving your ankles and flexing calf muscles will help keep blood moving in your legs. Avoid sitting for extended periods.

Wear compression stockings. Graduated compression provides external pressure (like e.g. the valves in the veins) to aid in blood return to the heart. Compression stockings provide an effective non-operative option for symptom control. Compression is required for most vein surgery recovery.



For your information:
This page has been provided for your information and to answer common questions. This web-site has been prepared to answer questions about a variety of circulatory problems, ranging from cosmetic blemishes through to more serious underlying circulatory problems.

The site is intended to be a simple guide, answering commonly asked questions. It does not replace a formal consultation with a vascular or vein specialist, who will be in a better position to

What can I do to prevent them?

Many of the things that seem to cause varicose veins are difficult to avoid such as a family history of Western sedentary way of life. Where possible standing still for long periods should be avoided. Walking is much better for the veins and helps the blood return to the heart from the legs. In occupations that require extended periods of standing then a few steps should be taken at regular short intervals to help circulation. Wearing support stockings may also reduce the likelihood of varicose veins. No creams or drugs are available to prevent varicose veins. The earlier varicose veins and dermal flares are treated the better the long term and cosmetic outcome will be.

Elevate your legs. Shower your legs with cold water as often as possible
Use compression support hose as described above.
Maintain your ideal body weight to reduce excess pressure on your legs.
Avoid prolonged sitting and standing. If this is not an option, move your feet up and down as described above to activate your calf muscle. On long car trips, you should stop every few hours for short walks.

Call your doctor if:

• Varicose veins make walking or standing painful 
• A sore or tender lump develops on or near a varicose vein
• You have swelling in the feet or ankles
• Your leg suddenly becomes swollen and painful
• Skin over a varicose vein bleeds on its own or when injured
• You have any other symptoms that cause concern