It’s easy to dismiss varicose veins as a purely cosmetic issue, but when left untreated they do have the potential to lead to potentially serious issues. There are also things you could be doing right now which are making the problem worse.

If you have varicose veins, there are numerous things you should and shouldn’t be doing to ensure they don’t become an even bigger problem. Here we’ll look at some of the most important dos and don’ts.

Do – Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings are often dismissed as a waste of time, but the right ones do actually make a massive difference to your varicose veins. This is especially true if you spend long periods of time either on your feet or if you’re stationary for hours on end. They help to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

The thing to remember with compression stockings however is that they are only a temporary solution and should ideally be worn until you undergo a more permanent treatment.

Don’t – Rely upon natural home remedies or ointments

If you research varicose vein treatments, you’ll come across a lot of so called miracle products claiming to help eliminate the problem. There’s also a lot of home remedies advertised which claim to work. Unfortunately, the majority of these ointments and home remedies are useless. They don’t help the problem so essentially, you’ll just end up wasting money and risking your varicose veins getting worse.

Do – Exercise frequently

Regular exercise can really help to minimise the symptoms of varicose veins. Not only does it help boost blood flow, but it also helps control weight. Varicose veins are often made worse, or brought on, by weight gain due to the pressure it places onto the legs. So, regular exercise is going to help lower your weight and in turn reduce unsightly veins.

Don’t – Wear high heeled shoes

This is probably one of the most surprising on the list, but high heeled shoes can place extra strain onto the calf muscles. This in turn can cause your varicose veins to get worse. Instead, opt for low heels or flat shoes until you can undergo treatment.

These are some of the most important do’s and don’ts you should follow if you’re suffering from varicose veins. However, it is better to seek treatment as soon as possible to eliminate the problem entirely. There are lots of different treatment options available and some are non-invasive. Contact us today to see what treatments could work for you.