Counsel patients to maintain a healthy body weight, as high BMI is a risk factor for progression and worse outcomes of varicose veins NICE CKS.
Advise engaging in light to moderate physical activity, such as walking or swimming, which may help alleviate symptoms, while avoiding strenuous exercise that could aggravate the condition NICE CKS.
Recommend avoiding prolonged standing or sitting with crossed legs, and suggest elevating the legs when sitting or sleeping to reduce venous pressure NICE CKS.
Encourage simple foot stretching exercises—bending, stretching, and rotating the feet—to promote venous return NICE CKS.
Provide reassurance and tailored information about the natural history and potential complications of varicose veins, addressing misconceptions and avoiding unnecessary anxiety NICE CKS.
Advise patients to seek further medical help if they develop skin changes, such as pigmentation or eczema, or if they experience hard, painful veins, or bleeding from varicose veins NICE CKS.