T F Answers 1. Inside veins are valves, or flaps, that open and close. In varicose veins, these valves become weakened and leak. Free to flow downward, blood pools inside veins, causing them to swell. Anything that constricts veins or puts a lot of pressure on them may speed up this process.
Smoking also can contribute to varicose veins because it affects circulation and harms vein walls.
Regular exercise can help ease discomfort from varicose veins. For instance, when standing, rise to your tiptoes for a few seconds, and repeat. When self-help strategies don't relieve discomfort, surgery and other medical treatments also offer good results. Wearing compression stockings can help ease the discomfort of varicose veins. But you should put them on first thing in the morning and take them off before bed.