The leading risk factors for varicose veins are heredity, gender, pregnancy, and age. Aggravating factors include prolonged standing, obesity, hormone levels, and physical trauma. Exercise, good health and compression stockings can help prevent varicose veins.

Regular exercise promotes healthy circulation and slows the development of new varicose veins.

Diet, lifestyle changes, dietary supplements and other natural alternatives can complement support stockings and exercise. Other things you can do to promote good leg vein health include:

1. Avoid birth control pills
2. Eat a high-fiber diet, which prevents constipation
3. Don't wear tight-fitting clothes
4. Elevate your legs at bedtime (about 6 to 12 inches above the heart)
5. Explore natural alternatives, such as massage therapy and dietary supplements (Vitamins C and E may help relieve swelling and other symptoms of poor circulation)
6. Avoid crossing your legs

Wearing compression stockings is often the first approach people try before moving on to more intensive treatment. Worn all day long, compression stockings steadily squeeze your legs, which helps your veins and leg muscles move blood toward the heart. The amount of compression varies by the type and brand of stockings worn.

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