How can my spouse prevent varicose veins and spider veins?
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But some things can reduce your spouse’s chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones your spouse already has:
- Advise her to wear Sunscreen to protect her skin from the sun and to limit spider veins on the face.
- Make sure she exercises regularly to improve her leg strength, circulation, and vein strength. Focus on exercises that work her legs, such as walking or running
- Advise her to control her weight to avoid placing too much pressure on her legs
- Prevent her from crossing her legs when sitting
- Encourage her to elevate her legs when resting as much as possible.
- Make sure she does not stand or sit for long periods of time. If she must stand for a long time, she should shift her weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If she must sit for long periods of time, she should stand up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes
- She should wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts her waist, groin, or legs
- Give her a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation which can contribute to varicose veins. High fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, like bran. Eating too much salt can cause her to retain water or swell.