Conservative Measures

Conservative therapy is an important part of the overall varicose vein removal treatment. Conservative therapy most commonly involves the usage of compression stockings. These stockings are designed to encourage blood flow to the vessels in your legs. While gradually compressing the legs, the stockings can help reduce swelling and discomfort caused by enlarged veins. By minimizing pain and allowing the veins to loosen, conservative therapy can act as a safe way to prepare for varicose vein removal. 

While compression stockings are the most common form of conservative therapy for varicose veins, there are a variety of conservative measures that you can use to encourage healthy blood flow to your legs despite having varicose veins. These measures include:

Exercise

Staying active is a great way to encourage blood flow to the legs and to prevent the development of varicose veins in the future. Exercises that focus on the movement of the legs, such as leg lifts, calf raises, and lunges, can be the most effective. Activities like bicycling, swimming, running, and stretching are also great ways to keep the legs moving. Balancing these activities with less intense movement, such as walking, stretching, or yoga, can help you avoid putting an extreme amount of pressure on the legs.

Periodic Leg Elevation

Keeping your legs elevated in resting positions can reduce swelling and boost circulation. Sitting in a reclining chair or using a pillow, coffee table, or ottoman is a great way to keep your legs elevated. Doing this for three to four times a day for fifteen minutes at a time will improve blood flow and prevent more varicose veins from forming.

Weight Loss

Varicose veins and blood flow issues in the legs can often be a result of obesity. Many people who are overweight suffer from leg pain or lack of blood flow in the legs. Sticking to a balanced diet and an easy-to-maintain exercise routine can help you lose weight. Once your body is more at balance, you may feel relief in your legs.

Avoiding Prolonged Immobility

Sitting or lying down for prolonged periods of time does not encourage a healthy amount of blood flow. Avoid being sedentary

Graduated compression stockings are designed to decompress the most at the ankle. As the stocking moves up the leg, the compression level will decrease. This gradient pressure will encourage blood flow up the leg rather than down towards the foot. This compression will help squeeze varicose veins, allowing for better blood flow toward the heart.