Treatments for varicose veins range from topical creams to full-blown surgery. However, before you go under the knife, it’s best to try some noninvasive approaches first. One of the easiest ways you can improve your varicose vein symptoms is by rethinking your wardrobe. Lots of the clothing we wear is not conducive to good circulatory health, and that can spell trouble if you’re looking to get rid of varicose veins. Use these tips to weed out any offending garments and add in some supportive ones.
Invest in compression stockings.
Compression stockings are one of the easiest ways to address your varicose veins. They give the veins in your legs extra support for successfully circulating blood and help reduce the pain and swelling associated with the condition. These stockings come in both over-the-counter and prescription strength varieties, but regardless of which type you choose, it’s important that you take leg measurements and find a pair that fits just right. Wearing stockings that are the wrong size won’t be of any benefit to you.
Opt for looser pants.
While skin-tight pants may be stylish, they can actually make your varicose vein problems worse. Unlike compression stockings, tight pants are snug in all the wrong places and can cause your circulatory system to work overtime to get your blood pumping. In addition to opting for looser cuts, also look for fabrics that offer you more flexibility, such as yoga pants or gym shorts. Obviously you don’t want to show up to the office rocking sweatpants, but try to wear comfortable fabrics whenever you can.
Ditch the high heels.
High heels are terrible for so many reasons: They destroy your posture, cause ingrown toenails, and they’re murder on your lower back. On top of all this, they’re also notorious for worsening your varicose vein symptoms. Studies have shown that people who wear high heels have higher blood pressure in their legs, which leads to a weakening of the valves in the veins. If you can’t bear the thought of saying goodbye forever to this fashionable footwear, choose a pair that have a low, wide heel.
