Living with the Varicose veins

Reading time: 2 min

Varicose veins cannot always be avoided, but some pieces of advice may be followed in order for the disease not to progress:

Legs in the shower with soap

Keep the skin clean and well hydrated.

Thermometer with crossed-out upward arrow to avoid heat

Avoid sources of heat. Direct exposure to the sun, heaters, hot baths, thermal baths, saunas, hot depilation.

Legs in the shower with cold water to improve blood circulation

Have cold showers and massage with a jet of water from the feet to the thighs.

Person lying with legs in the air

Rest with the legs raised (ideally above the level of the heart) for several times during the day and during the night.

Woman sitting on a chair with correct posture

Avoid being on your feet for long periods.

Unbuttoned trousers

Do not wear very tight clothing that makes venous circulation difficult.

Beer mug and cannabis

Alcohol and tobacco. They have no direct association with the evolution of the varicose disease, although they can have a negative and indirect influence due to their association with overweight and sedentarism.

Food pyramid

Diet. A correct and balance diet is important to control weight and avoid obesity.

Woman doing exercise

Exercise. One of the most important measures for varicose veins is to practice sports regularly, especially walking. The moving of the leg muscles helps pump the blood towards the heart and prevents it from accumulating and swelling the veins. At the same time, it improves any discomfort that you may have. Cycling and swimming are also recommended.

Travelling by plane

Travelling. Be aware of tourist class syndrome, which mainly affects those with a history of significant varicose veins, venous thrombosis, or blood coagulation disorders.

Substantiated information by:

Esther Armans Moreno
Xavier Yugueros

Published: 19 June 2018
Updated: 19 June 2018

The donations that can be done through this webpage are exclusively for the benefit of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona through Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica and not for BBVA Foundation, entity that collaborates with the project of PortalClínic.

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