How to Prevent Varicose Veins

Many older women have varicose veins. These veins protrude and make their home most obviously on the back of a woman's thighs, above her calf. Although these unsightly veins seem like a part of aging, there are actually ways to prevent them. Here are some ways to prevent them.

Wear support pantyhose

For many, varicose veins come from years of sitting or standing in place for extended periods of time. Cashiers, office workers, and assembly line workers all have professions that require long hours of sitting or standing in place. For these professions or any profession, it is wise to wear support pantyhose. Nurses who work long shifts at hospitals find relief from pain from using these and also have the extra benefit of warding off varicose veins.

Don't cross your legs

Crossing your legs cuts off circulation to that area of your legs. It would be wiser to just sit with both feet on the floor to allow for an even distribution of blood through your legs.

Don't take cold showers immediately after a vigorous workout

This is by far the most detrimental yet common practice with women. They hit the gym for a good hour of sweat inducing exercise and immediately hit the shower and wash off with cold water. Your body has just been heated up and your legs are tired. Putting cold water immediately shocks the veins in the legs. Years of this can contribute to unsightly varicose veins. If you must take a shower immediately, be sure to use hotter water first so as to not shock the system so drastically.

Elevate legs for 10-25 minutes after a workout or before going to bed

This is the ideal situation post work out. When you're working out, your circulatory system is really pumping blood to your legs. Your legs deserve to get a break. By elevating your legs for 10-25 minute post workout, you allow the blood to flow back to your heart and you give your legs ample time to recover from the strenuous work it just performed for you. This same principle applies to your legs before going to bed, after a long day at work. As we know, gravity takes its toll on other parts of a woman's body, and this is a sign of aging. In the same way, gravity takes a toll on the veins of your legs, and this is your way of combating that on a regular basis. Anytime you are elevating a part of your body above your heart, you are improving circulation and helping the blood flow back to the heart to supply fresh blood to that area of the body.

Exercise

It's important to mention that vigorous exercise isn't what is detrimental to your veins; it's what you do after wards. Actually, regular exercise is a way to combat varicose veins, as it is another way to stimulate the circulatory system!