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Varicose Veins

The Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

How Can I Prevent Varicose Veins?

  • Exercise regularly! Staying fit is the best way to keep your leg muscles toned, your blood flowing, and your weight under control. Avoid wearing tight clothing. 
  • Eat foods low in fat, sugar, and salt. Drink plenty of water.
  • If your daily routine requires you to be on your feet constantly, stretch and exercise your legs as often as possible to increase circulation and reduce pressure buildup.
  • If you smoke, quit. Studies show that smoking may contribute to elevated blood pressure, which in turn can aggravate varicosity.
  • If you're pregnant, be sure to sleep on your left side rather than on your back to minimize pressure from the uterus on the veins in your pelvic area. This position will also improve blood flow to the fetus.

Medically reviewed by Tracy Shuman, MD, July 2005.

SOURCES: The Mayo Clinic. The US Department of Health and Human Services.

The Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
© 2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.