04/11/2025
7 Everyday Habits That Worsen Varicose Veins — And How to Stop Them
People who have varicose veins are always looking for ways to reduce their severity and symptoms.
This makes sense — varicose veins can be not only unsightly, but uncomfortable, with many people suffering from vein disease reporting burning or itching sensations in the legs.
As vein specialists in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, we’ve answered many questions from people with varicose veins about how they can reduce their symptoms — or how they can get rid of their varicose veins for good.
In this article, we’ll detail 7 habits that you might have that could be making your varicose veins worse, as well as what one can do if they want to get rid of their varicose vein issues forever.
1. Standing or Sitting for Long Periods of Time
If you’ve searched the internet for advice regarding varicose veins, you’ve probably seen this tip before.
Still, it’s important to emphasize: prolonged sitting or standing impedes blood circulation in the legs, and over time, this can increase pressure in the veins and exacerbate varicose vein issues.
Thankfully, this habit is pretty easy to fix. If your job requires sitting for long periods, take short, occasional breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around — you could even incorporate some stretching into your walk to the coffee machine.
For those who stand for extended periods, try shifting your weight between legs, stretching regularly, or taking breaks to sit when possible.
2. Ignoring Leg Elevation
While many advise elevating one’s legs to reduce the impact of varicose veins, we’ve heard people say that leg elevation is hard to incorporate into their everyday lives.
This is a problem, because leg elevation is one of the easiest ways that one can reduce pressure on the legs.
Try to elevate your legs above heart level for 10 to 15 minutes a few times every day. This can be done right when you wake up, as you lay on the couch watching TV, and right before you fall asleep.
3. Excessive Heat Exposure
Heat isn’t the worst thing for your varicose veins, but it can cause discomfort — especially when one has prolonged exposure in something like a hot bath, sauna, or sunbathing area.
Try to avoid prolonged periods of direct heat — but if you really need your hot bath to relax, just make sure that it’s paired with activities that promote circulation, such as walking or using compression stockings.
4. Avoiding Exercise
We know — everyone is aware that exercise is, generally speaking, good for you.
But don’t think that you need to head to the gym every day if you want to improve your vein health!
Instead, remember that even small steps can make a dramatic difference in your varicose veins. For example, taking a short walk every morning or evening can do wonders for your varicose veins and vein health in general.
5. Wearing the Wrong Footwear
It’s incorrect to say that unsupportive footwear can cause vein issues.
That said, although bad shoes don’t directly cause varicose veins, they can certainly make existing venous problems worse.
Fat shoes without arch support or excessively high heels can disrupt healthy blood circulation, limiting the calf muscles’ natural movement and potentially disturbing blood flow.
When looking for shoes, keep an eye out for shoes with good arch support, and swap out the excessively high heels for low, stable ones.
6. Carrying Excess Weight
While this isn’t a “habit,” per se, it’s still vital to emphasize.
Extra body weight puts additional pressure on your veins, making it harder for them to effectively pump blood back to the heart.
If you’re concerned that your weight may be contributing to your varicose veins, try incorporating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. From there, you can consider adding additional exercise or making other dietary changes as desired.
7. Ignoring Leg Discomfort
Pain is the body trying to tell you something. If you experience swelling, aching, or heaviness in the legs, this could be a sign that your vein health is getting worse.
Follow the aforementioned tips in order to make sure that your symptoms don’t get worse — but, if you want the problem to go away forever, you will more than likely need to contact a vein specialist.
How Do I Solve My Vein Problems for Good?
The only way to get rid of your varicose veins is by visiting a vein specialist and having them treat the problem veins.
In our work, we’ve helped countless people live freer, happier lives by getting rid of their vein issues.
Modern procedures are quick, easy, and low pain. If you want to learn more, schedule a consultation with us today!
