How To Prevent Varicose Veins

By: Christine Daniels

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Do you guys want to know how to prevent varicose veins? Varicose veins are very common in women, but a large number of men are affected by them as well. Age is an important factor -- the older you are, the higher your chances are of developing varicose veins. But they can form at any age. Heredity can also be a factor. A large percent of people suffering from varicose veins have a parent who has suffered or is suffering from varicose veins. If you are a guy who wants to prevent getting varicose veins, take the advice in this how-to.

To prevent varicose veins, you will need:

Mild compression hose
Lotion
Massage Oil
Graduated compression stockings

Be sure to exercise regularly. Low-impact exercises such as bike riding, rowing, walking, and swimming can help improve your overall circulation without adding pressure to the veins inside your legs. These exercises can also help you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. If your heart is strong and your blood vessels are clean and flexible, your veins will have a strong, even blood flow.
Maintain a healthy body weight. If you are carrying around excess weight it can force your circulatory system to have to work harder. This increases the inside pressure of the veins in your legs.
Avoid standing for prolonged periods of time. If you your occupation requires you to stand for a long period of time, try wearing a mild compression hose. Compression hoses help blood pump more efficiently back to your heart. Also, try shifting your position as much as possible, and try to walk around at least every 30 minutes.
Have good posture. Make sure to always stand up straight, it will help to reduce pressure on the valves in the veins of your legs.
When sitting, keep your legs uncrossed. Crossed legs can slow the upward flow of blood back to your heart. This will increase the inside pressure of your leg veins.
Avoid wearing certain items. Stay away from constricting clothing. Make sure everything you wear does not constrict your waist, groin or legs.
Put your feet up. If you have been standing for a while, take a little bit of time to relax your legs and feet. Elevate your legs and feet for several minutes throughout the day or after your come home from work. While laying down, raise your legs up six to twelve inches above your heart. This will allow the blood in your lower legs to flow more easily back to your heart.
Rub your legs with some type of soothing lotion or massage oil. It will help relax your leg muscles and improve circulation. Gently massage with an upward motion. Use your palms or fingertips and every so often squeeze your legs. It will help force blood out of your veins and back to your heart.
Take a trip your doctor. Ask him to prescribe you graduated compression stockings that you can wear to exert pressure of 30 to 40 mmHg to your legs. These stockings can help prevent varicose veins.