Lifestyle Changes

There are some achievable lifestyle changes that can help manage your vein health:

• Change your diet. Practicing portion control, choosing healthier food options, and dining out at restaurants less often are just a few ways to improve your nutrition.
• Lose excess weight. It’s no secret that weight loss can positively impact your overall health, but shedding pounds can also significantly reduce the pressure on the veins in your legs, resulting in improved blood flow.
• Exercise more. Whether it’s walking for just 20 minutes a few times a week or taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible, employing ways to increase your body’s movement can help the blood circulate in your legs and throughout your body.
• Alternate between standing or sitting often. Many people might be surprised to learn that prolonged periods of standing or sitting can negatively affect your vein health. Making a conscious decision to shift between sitting and standing greatly contributes to better blood circulation.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. Wearing tight clothes can hinder blood flow, especially in the groin, thigh, and waist areas. Clothing that allows you a greater range of motion will not only add to your comfort level but to your overall vein health, too.
• Use medical-grade compression stockings. Compression stockings help relieve the pain and swelling experienced by many people with varicose veins, especially those whose work requires prolonged sitting or standing. These specially-made stockings require a prescription from your physician and can be purchased at a medical supply store or through your Center for Vein Restoration's vein clinic.

The short answer is that lifestyle changes can only play a part in improving the outcome of every vein treatment method. But can lifestyle changes be the only treatment method needed? That depends on your individual condition and the pain associated with it. Consulting with your Center for Vein Restoration doctor is the only way to determine if lifestyle changes will be enough to manage your chronic venous insufficiency.

Altering some of the ways you live your life is never easy. Lifestyle changes can be challenging, but you'll notice the positive effects as you form new and healthier routines and habits. Once you realize the benefits of changes within your control, you'll happily welcome additional lifestyle changes as you continue feeling, looking, and living better.

Lifestyle changes can contribute to overall improved health. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings, and eating a balanced diet can all help promote healthy veins and reduce the risk of varicose veins. Because vein disease is a progressive condition, lifestyle changes alone are often not enough to reduce the discomfort or unsightly appearance of varicose veins.