• EAT A LOW-FAT, LOW REFINED CARBOHYDRATE DIET: Eat a low-fat, low refined carbohydrate diet that includes plenty of fish and fresh fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• GET PLENTY OF FIBER: Plenty of fiber in the diet prevents constipation (which contributes to varicose veins) and keeps the bowels clean. Some high-fiber foods include bran cereals, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• WATCH THE SALT: Cut down on your salt intake to prevent swelling.
  
  
• AVOID CERTAIN FOODS: Avoid animal protein, processed and refined foods, sugar, ice cream, fried foods, cheeses, peanuts, junk foods, tobacco, alcohol, and salt.
  
  

• EXERCISE AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT: Walking, swimming, and biking all promote good circulation and provides a structured time to get up and move your legs.
  
  
• WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING THAT DOESN'T RESTRICT BLOOD FLOW: Wear loose clothing that doesn't restrict blood flow (especially at the waist, groin, and leg area) and if necessary wear supportive elastic stocking to support the varicose veins and keep them from becoming more swollen.
  
  
• AVOID LONG PERIODS OF SITTING OR STANDING: Take rest periods several times during the day to elevate your legs above heart level and frequently shift your weight from one leg to the other during long periods of standing. Avoid crossing your legs, doing heavy lifting, and putting any unnecessary pressure on your legs.
  
  
• STAND IN A TUB OF COLD WATER: To improve circulation and ease pain, fill a tub with cold water and stand in the water and simulate walking.
  
  
• AVOID SCRATCHING: Avoid scratching the itchy skin above varicose veins. This can cause ulceration and bleeding.
  
  

Medical Options and Precautions

TREAMENT:

• ELASTIC COMPRESSION STOCKINGS: These stockings reduce vein swelling and relieve symptoms such as discomfort, pain and occasional ankle swelling. These stocking also put pressure on the surface veins, forcing blood to enter the deep veins and through them go upward and back to the heart instead of remaining and pooling in the lower body.
  
  
• SCLEROTHERAPY: An agent is injected into the vein causing it to form a clot and close up, forcing other, healthier veins to take over the work of that vein. This treatment can only bring temporary relief as varicose veins may develop elsewhere and as eventually the clot will dissipate and the problem vein will reopen.
  
  
• SURGICAL STRIPPING: Surgical stripping requires the removal of the entire problem vein. A cut is made at the groin to expose the vein. The vein is cut and clamped off. A small hole is made at the top of the vein and a wire is put through the vein and out a small incision in the lower leg. The vein is tied to the metal head on the upper end of the wire and then the entire vein is pulled out through the lower incision.
   
  Stripping can be a costly procedure considering the expense of general anesthesia, a hospital setting, and the time required for recovery (the affected area must remain bandaged for two to three weeks after surgery). This procedure can also cause trauma to the soft tissues around the vein and may leave scars from the incisions. Also, surgical stripping does not solve the problem of varicose veins since these veins often form elsewhere despite the surgery.