Dos and don’ts for patients with varicose veins

You will find detailed information here

Tips and tricks for your leg veins:
Doing something good for your veins

  • Exercise is essential for the veins. Aim to take part regularly in sporting activities, so as to get your veins working properly. Activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, and swimming are particularly good for this purpose.
  • As a general rule: walking and lying down are better for your veins than sitting and standing.
  • If you have to sit for long periods, you should try to move around whenever possible. Take a short walk as often as you can – the lunch break offers you a good opportunity. Use the stairs rather than the elevator.
  • Whenever you have to sit for any length of time, make sure that the legs and knees are not too sharply angulated, as this may restrict the return blood flow.
  • Before starting a long working day: after your morning shower or bath, rinse your legs briefly with cold water, starting at the feet and working upwards. This constricts the veins.
  • Even if you cannot put your feet up on your desk at work, elevate them as often as you can – and make sure you at least put your feet up in the evenings.
  • At night lie with your feet slightly higher than your head.
  • It is important to drink enough fluids. Drink at least 2 litres of water or unsweetened herb tea during the day and eat a balanced low-fat diet with plenty of fibre and vitamins. This will do your whole body good as well as preventing you from becoming overweight.
  • Do not wear high heels all day, but only on special occasions such as when you are going out. Comfortable, flat shoes are best for the veins during the day and at work. Go barefoot as often as you can to stimulate the muscle pump function.
  • You can also wear compression stockings as a preventive measure – ask a specialist stockist in your vicinity or get advice from your doctor.
  • Inspect your legs closely at regular intervals and ask your doctor for advice about any changes or symptoms.

Tips and tricks for your leg veins:
What to avoid or do in moderation only

  • Do not sit all day without a break.
  • Do not stand all day without a break.
  • Do not always wear high heels, for example all day at work. Save your high heels for special occasions.
  • Avoid long, hot baths or showers.
  • Do not sunbathe for too long in the burning sun.
  • Saunas are allowed in moderation, but do not stay in too long. In any case, a cold shower or cold plunge automatically follows a sauna, which will stimulate the veins to constrict again.
  • Also for the sake of your veins, you should avoid becoming overweight and eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fibre.
  • The Pill and hormone replacement therapy may also encourage varicose disease. Discuss alternatives with your doctor and ask for advice, what is most important for your own health.
  • Do not smoke.