What to do if your legs are swollen due to varicose veins

The harm of varicose veins is relatively large. It often causes swelling of the legs and dilated veins. The legs will feel uneven or twisted. When the legs are swollen, you must avoid sitting for long periods of time. You should raise your legs, exercise regularly, and strengthen your diet. You must quit smoking and drinking. You can wear elastic stockings to improve the condition. If the condition is serious, you must receive regular treatment in time.

What to do if your legs are swollen due to varicose veins

1. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.

Keeping your legs in the same position for a long time can reduce blood circulation to your legs and cause blood to pool in your veins. So you should change the position of your legs frequently to maintain good circulation. Change positions every 30 minutes or so. Walk around the office, or if that's not possible, stand up and stretch your arms and legs every 30 minutes.

Keep your legs lifted and crossed as you sit down. When sitting, elevating your legs can reduce pressure on your blood vessels. Keeping your legs crossed can also reduce your venous pressure. Try to lift your legs occasionally so that your feet are above the level of your heart to improve blood circulation.

Sleep on your back with your legs raised. Keep your legs elevated when sleeping. When you lie down, keep your legs at the same height as when you sit up.

2. Exercise regularly.

Moderate exercise in your daily life can improve circulation and muscle tone in your legs. If necessary, regular exercise can also help you lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, your extra weight can put pressure on your legs and increase the likelihood of varicose veins. Walking or jogging for a few weeks can greatly improve your circulation throughout your body, especially in your legs. Focus your energy on movements that help get the blood flowing through your body and aim to build leg strength.

A balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables can keep you low in salt and high in fiber, which stabilizes your blood pressure and reduces pressure on your veins. A low-salt diet can reduce the amount of swelling in your legs related to water retention. You should also eat fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains like rice and quinoa. Bioflavonoids in dark berries, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, garlic and onions also help keep your blood vessels healthy.

4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Tobacco and alcohol can cause high blood pressure. Alcohol also causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can make varicose veins worse. Drinking occasionally may not necessarily cause pain, but drinking frequently will. Smoking has a direct relationship with blood pressure, and it is important to quit smoking completely if you plan to get rid of varicose veins.

5. Wear compression socks.

These compression stockings apply therapeutic pressure to the blood vessels in your legs, relieving leg pain and encouraging blood flow to your heart. However, compression stockings are not guaranteed to prevent varicose veins from getting worse or to prevent new varicose veins from appearing. Compression stockings come in a variety of sizes and pressures. Most people with varicose veins will be prescribed either level one (light compression) or level two (medium compression) stockings. They also come in different colors, lengths (knee or thigh-high), and different foot styles (cover your entire foot or stop just before your toes). You can purchase compression tights from your local drugstore or online directly from the manufacturer. Your doctor may also prescribe compression stockings depending on the severity of your varicose veins. While compression socks can improve blood circulation in your legs, you may need to wear them all day to see noticeable results, they can make your legs hot and sweaty, and you'll need to replace them every three to six months.