For many people, varicose veins are purely a cosmetic problem, but in some cases, significant bulging veins can become a medical problem. If you experience pain from your varicose veins there are simple ways you can reduce the impact.

Move Around

If you have a job requiring long hours of standing or sitting, this can contribute to the development of varicose veins and make them more painful. Ideally, you should take frequent breaks when sitting for long periods just to stretch your legs. When you cannot stand up and move around, sit in your seat and flex your legs a few times every 30 to 60 minutes.

For jobs that require standing, walking around or shifting your weight back and forth between your legs can be helpful. Traveling can be a problem when you have painful varicose veins. Try to stretch out your legs as much as possible when you have little opportunity to move around. This can decrease pressure on your legs from having them in the seated position for several hours.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Varicose veins mostly occur in the lower legs. Make sure your pants are comfortable to reduce exacerbation of pain from current varicose veins. Wide leg or straight leg styles are good options, because they do not hug your legs. If you want to wear form-fitting pants, stick with material that has significant stretch, such as stretch denim or leggings.

Clothing with little or no stretch only places more pressure on bulging blood vessels and can even compromise circulation. Similarly, if you wear shapewear to smooth out your hips and legs, choose pieces that help you achieve your desired look without being overly restrictive. Be cautious when wearing shapewear with banding at the end of the legs. The bands can dig into your skin and restrict blood flow.

Your footwear should be equally comfortable. When you are wearing socks, they should not fit tightly around your ankle. If you are prone to swollen ankles, especially after being on your feet, you should try low-cut socks. These socks are often marketed as athletic socks and typically stop below the ankle. Boots and other shoes that come up high on the ankle or have ankle straps should not be tight.

Sit The Right Way

You may cross your legs frequently or even sit with one leg folded under your body. It can be difficult to break the habit, but it is imperative to reducing pain in your legs and other circulatory problems. Large, painful varicose veins may increase your risk of developing blood clots. Additionally, sitting with your legs crossed or folded adds to this risk.

Be creative to think of ways to break the habit. For example, consider purchasing a studded, elastic bracelet that can fit comfortably around your ankle. When you go to cross your legs or fold one leg under your body, the studs will be uncomfortable and you will remember to sit correctly. If you cannot completely stop crossing your legs, only cross your legs at the ankle.

Consider Compression Garments

Compression garments can be used to give you the right amount of support without significant pressure on your legs. When you are buying compression garments from retail outlets, make sure you read the sizing carefully. The garment cannot be too tight, which will exacerbate problems. However, a loose-fitting compression garment will not be effective.

If you have concurrent medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension or lymphedema, which can cause swelling in your legs, you should discuss the option of using compression garments regularly. Since swelling in your legs can make varicose veins more painful, compression garments can help keep swelling under control.

Moderate to severe varicose veins can cause significant pain throughout the day. With proper care and preventative strategies, you can reduce the chances of severe complications from varicose veins. You can click here for more info on varicose vein treatment.