It is very common for nurses to suffer from varicose veins. These are very unsightly and can be a cause for embarrassment. From a paramedic to RN, most of those working in the medical and healthcare field usually have varicose veins. Although some researchers say that the cause of varicose veins appears to be heredity, there are also some other factors that may cause them.

If your parents do not have varicose veins, then the causes may be from ageing. As we age, the valves in our veins may not be as strong making the veins bulge and become more visible.

So how do we avoid varicose veins? Below are some tips.

Start doing leg exercises.

Having leg exercises allow better blood circulation in the body. When you have good circulation, you have lesser chances of getting varicose veins. Doing calf raises, squats or leg ball raises are a few examples on how you can work out your legs.

Put your feet up when you get home.

By simply putting your feet up, you can help facilitate blood away from your feet and legs, which allows for good circulation. You can do this by placing your legs on top of a pillow.

Avoid standing in the same position for a long time.

Get your legs moving. Standing in the same position with legs locked in position is not only tiring but it’s also a cause for getting such veins. Raise your leg a little every few minutes or bend your knees slightly.

Keep yourself fit.

You want to keep your weight down. If you are slightly overweight, chances are your body will find it difficult to have good circulation.

Do not sit for too long.

This has the same logic as standing for too long. If you really have to sit for long hours, make sure to stretch your legs from time to time.

Wear support hose or stocking.

This is very helpful in terms of blood circulation. The hose prevents the blood from staying in the feet and legs and help the veins return blood to the heart.