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Among the many visible signs of aging that we dread, varicose veins are one of the most unsightly. Not only do these gnarled, enlarged veins make our legs look ugly (say goodbye to leg-flaunting skirts and shorts), they can also cause pain and discomfort.

 

Varicose veins and spider veins may also possibly indicate higher risks of circulatory system disorders, according to MayoClinic.com.

Varicose veins develop easily when one often stands too long, as veins have to work harder to make blood move upward and circulate. Veins stretch as they lose elasticity over time, and appear blue because of deoxygenated blood that has flown backward from the heart.

Unfortunately, women have a greater risk of acquiring varicose or spider veins, especially as they get older. Pregnant women may also develop varicose veins, as pregnancy increases blood but not blood flow from legs to pelvis.

If you already have varicose veins, you can have them removed through laser surgery or invasive techniques like sclerotherapy. But if you've only just begun to worry about getting them, these simple tips from MayoClinic.com can help you keep varicose veins off your legs.

 

1. Exercise. Walking alone can boost blood circulation in your legs, so enjoy more benefits from brisk walking to work or having an exercise routine that includes jogging and working out on the treadmill.
2. Control your diet. Excess weight can add pressure on your leg veins. To prevent your legs from swelling and taking on too much weight, minimize your salt intake, as salt retains water in your system.
3. Wear flats or low-heeled shoes. High heels make you use muscles on your buttocks more than your calf muscles. Flats and low-heeled shoes make you work calf muscles more and keep varicose veins at bay.
4. Elevate your legs. This improves blood flow to the rest of your body. You can do this by shifting your weight from one leg to the other from time to time, putting your feet up when sitting, or resting your legs on pillows when sleeping.
5. Avoid tight clothes from the waist down. Steer clear of too skinny jeans, tight panty-leg girdles, and pants that hardly fit your waistline; they hamper blood circulation.
6. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing. If your job entails long hours of sitting in front of the computer, take a break by walking around the office from time to time. If you’re forced to stand for a long time, make sure you sit down or at least bend your legs once in a while.
7. Don't sit with your legs crossed as this does not aid blood circulation.