Three easy actions can help you maintain the health of your leg veins: exercise, elevation, and wearing gradient compression hosiery. Regular walking, swimming or cycling works the calf and thigh muscles. Contraction of these muscles helps the return of venous blood from the legs back to the heart.

 

Compression therapy alone is not enough. Exercise and periods of leg elevation are also necessary for effective management of edema, venous disease, and lymphatic disease.

 

Checklist

• Elevate your feet above the level of your heart whenever possible.
• Draw letters of the alphabet with your toes once each hour when sitting for extended time.
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting.
• Avoid crossing your legs, wearing high-heeled shoes or tight-fitting clothes.
• Lose excess weight.