Your Conservative Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

The veins are responsible for transporting blood from tissues throughout the body back to the heart. When the veins are functioning properly, you won’t even notice them. Unfortunately, if the valves in the veins become weak or damaged, the blood can have trouble flowing in the right direction. This results in accumulated pools of blood, causing the veins to be visibly gnarled and twisted. If you have varicose veins, consider talking to a vein specialist in Houston about your nonsurgical treatment options.

Compression Stockings

Conservative varicose vein treatment options include compression stockings. Compression stockings provide graduated pressure to encourage the movement of blood up the legs. The vein specialist may ask you to wear compression stockings throughout the day, every day. He or she will provide recommendations for the type of stocking and amount of compression that will work best for you.

Exercise

Along with compression stockings, exercise is an effective way to support healthy blood circulation and manage varicose veins. If you haven’t already been exercising regularly, you may need to get medical clearance from your doctor before starting a new program. Start with small steps, such as by going for a walk on your lunch break or riding a stationary bicycle before work. Try to engage in cardiovascular exercise on most days of the week and work your way up to sessions of 30 minutes or more. In addition to exercising regularly, it’s a good idea to periodically get up from your desk to move around and encourage blood circulation.

Weight Loss

People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop varicose veins. Your vein specialist may recommend that you lose weight to manage your condition more effectively. Exercising regularly can help you burn calories, but dietary changes are primarily responsible for weight loss. Try to limit your intake of sugary snacks and fattening foods, and fill up on veggies and fruits instead.

Elevation

It can be helpful to elevate your legs while sitting or lying down. Elevating them above the level of your heart encourages the blood to flow in the proper direction.