Lifestyle Changes for Varicose Veins

Wearing compression garments can help blood that is pooling in the leg, ankle, or foot to flow in the right direction. Your doctor may prescribe elastic, graduated compression stockings or socks made with a flexible fabric. They apply different pressures to different parts of the legs and feet to keep blood moving through the veins.

Elevating your legs when you’re sitting can take pressure off the veins in the legs and increase blood flow. Consider raising them with a footstool, and avoid crossing your legs.

If it’s safe for you to exercise, your doctor may advise increasing your activity level to improve circulation in the legs. Your doctor may recommend activities such as walking or cycling for 30 minutes up to 5 days a week. Certain types of exercise—such as lifting weights, distance running, and yoga—may stress your veins. They can lead to a backup of blood, so your doctor may advise restricting or avoiding those activities.

Standing or sitting for long periods can cause blood to pool in leg veins and may lead to or worsen the symptoms of varicose veins. Your doctor may also advise taking frequent breaks from sitting or standing to move your legs and help blood flow in the right direction.

Salt, or sodium, can cause the body to retain water and contribute to varicose veins. Excess fluid in the legs can cause swelling and put pressure on veins.

Being overweight or obese can put pressure on pelvic and leg veins and lead to varicose veins. Experts at NYU Langone’s Weight Management Program can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Wearing tight clothing—girdles, body shapers, elastic knee socks, and even snug belts—can restrict blood flow from the legs to the heart, causing it to pool.

Wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods of time can also restrict blood flow in the legs and may worsen varicose veins. Choose a shorter heel to help maintain a healthier blood flow.

The skin protects your body, including the veins in your legs. A daily application of moisturizer can heal dry or cracked skin, improving the health of your legs.