10 Tips To Help You Avoid Varicose Veins

Physical exercise, as well as keeping us in shape and promoting our general health, also helps us avoid becoming overweight and promotes circulation to prevent varicose veins
10 Tips To Help You Avoid Varicose Veins
Carlos Fabián Avila

Reviewed and approved by Doctor Carlos Fabián Avila.

Last update: 30 May, 2022

Varicose veins are considered to be one of the main aesthetic problems that affects women. These purplish swollen veins tend to be an impediment to wearing certain kinds of clothes with confidence.

However, beyond their appearance, it is essential to bear in mind that they can be a warning of a circulation problemsWhile they are not always serious, sometimes they can indicate other health complications.

For this reason, it is very important to try to adopt healthy habits, both to prevent varicose veins as well as to treat them. Although some factors are beyond our control, doing this significantly reduces their risks.

What are varicose veins

Varicose veins are dilated veins with a twisted appearance that develop due to the weakening of the unidirectional valves that regulate the blood flow.

Any of the veins can suffer from this, however it is those in the lower part of the body that tend to be most affected, given that it is in this area that an overload can happen due to certain postures.

Varicose veins have a reddish or purplish color which is easily seen on the skin, which is why they are considered an aesthetic problem.

What are varicose veins?


This problem frequently affects the legs and feet, because the lower part of the body has to handle the pressure of the weight of the body and gravity.

They can develop at any age, although they arise more commonly in adults. Some of the factors that affect them include:

  • Excess weight and obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Family background
  • Poor posture when walking or sitting
  • Diseases of the circulatory system

Symptoms of varicose veins

Many people think that swollen veins are the only symptom of this problem. However, there are other signs that can indicate complications:

  • Raised veins
  • Sensation of pain and heaviness in the legs
  • Burning, cramps and swelling in the lower extremities
  • Bleeding of the varicose veins
  • Changes to the skin or hardening of the veins

The 10 best tips to prevent varicose veins

Improving your lifestyle and putting the brakes on some unhealthy habits is the most effective way of preventing or delaying the appearance of varicose veins. Take note of these tips!

1. Avoid staying in the same posture

If for any reason you spend too much time standing up or sitting down, try to change your posture for at least a few minutes.

Staying in the same position for a long time affects the circulation and contributes to the appearance of varicose veins.

2. Take cold showers

Believe it or not, having cold showers is one of the best therapies to keep your circulation active. While a hot shower is relaxing occasionally, tepid and low temperatures offer more benefits.

3. Wear clothes that fit

When you wear clothes that are too tight, especially jeans, it hinders venous return and increases the likelihood of varicose veins.

  • Choose loose clothes that don’t put pressure on your body.

4. Distance yourself from heat sources

Prolonged exposure to the sun or other heat sources can cause circulation problems and liquid retention.

If you want to avoid this aesthetic problem, try to protect yourself from the sun and avoid central heating.

5. Use pressure socks

Pressure socks are a therapeutic item of clothing that can help improve the drainage of your body to prevent the circulation problems that come with this condition.

6. Limit your use of high heels

They are beautiful and help you look very attractive; however, wearing high heels for prolonged periods can cause swelling in the legs and increases the chances of vascular spiders and varicose veins.

7. Do physical exercise

Any form of physical activity has benefits for the circulation. For this reason, to avoid suffering from varicose veins, adopt a daily training plan, whether at home or at the gym.

8. Improve your diet

Having a healthy diet is essential to enjoy optimum blood circulation even as the years go by.

  • Eating vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids helps to create balance in the whole cardiovascular system.

9. Avoid excess weight

If you have problems with excess weight, it is very important to get the advice of a nutritionist to identify the best diet for you.

Avoid the popular “miracle diets” as they can be counterproductive.

10. Drink infusions

Infusions made with medicinal plants and spices can give the lymphatic and circulatory systems a boost to remove the toxins that accumulate in the body.

This, of course, helps to prevent varicose veins.

Bear in mind that, as well as all the tips we’ve mentioned in this article, you can access a range of external treatments that help calm the inflammation and circulatory problems.

The most important thing is to take action promptly so that it doesn’t lead to more serious problems.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.