Elevate your legs. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing. Change your position frequently to encourage blood flow. Once varicose veins start, they don't get better on their own. Compression stockings are often the first line of defense in treating varicose veins or in slowing their progress.
Proper fit is essential.
Talk with your doctor about which type of stocking and what compression level would best suit your needs. The stockings are tighter at the ankle and looser as they progress up the leg. They promote circulation and help limit gravity's downward pull. They come in varying strengths and styles. Generally, they last from 4 to 6 months.