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Conservative measures entail:
EXERCISE
Flex the ankles while standing. Walk for 1-2 minutes every 30 minutes throughout the day. Half an hour of daily exercise in the form of walking, running, aerobics, swimming, or biking is very helpful.
ELEVATE YOUR LEGS
Leg elevation helps reduce pain and swelling. It would help to place blocks under the legs at the foot of the bed during sleep. This position however is contraindicated in some conditions such as congestive heart failure, acid reflux disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea
AVOID HIGH HEELS
Wearing high heels interferes with the normal pumping action by the leg muscles that occurs when you walk resulting in vein engorgement.
MAINTAIN PROPER WEIGHT
Weight loss may reduce pain caused by varicose veins and diminish the rate of developing spider veins
WEAR COMPRESSION STOCKINGS
Stockings help reduce symptoms and slow disease progression. Ideally, the legs should be elevated when the stockings are applied. Stockings that fit poorly may produce a “tourniquet effect”; thus, your legs should be measured by a certified person. Lifelong usage is usually required for patients with venous ulcers. Compression stockings are graded according to the pressure they
achieve. You will be prescribed the appropriate pressure and height.
