For the most part, varicose veins are not a medical emergency. However, they can be uncomfortable enough to keep you from doing your normal daily activities. Whether it is pain, cramping, or the inability to get a good night's sleep, you can ask your primary care physician for a referral to a vein doctor to get some relief. Until you see the specialist, there are a few things you should be doing that can help with the problem.

Move

If you stand or sit for long periods of time, make sure you move around. When you have to stand for work, take breaks, walk around, bend, do some squats, or prance a bit. If your job involves sitting all day, make sure you do not have your legs crossed the whole time. In addition, get up and walk around the office or cubicle every hour or so. It is also a good idea to take a walk at lunchtime or have some type of leg moving exercise routine every night.

Clothes

Do not wear clothing that will constrict blood flow to your legs. Avoid skinny jeans, tight leggings, or tight socks and stockings. However, you can, and probably should, invest in a pair of compression stockings. These are specially made to increase the blood flowing up your legs so it does not stay in the lower regions, causing a build-up which bulges the veins.

Weight

Being overweight is one of the causes of varicose veins. Make a concerted effort to lose a pound or two each weak. Any exercise you do will not only help with the problem directly, it can help you to lose weight. In addition, watch your diet. When you call for the appointment with the vein doctor, ask if there are any specific foods you should eat and what you should avoid that can help.

Alternative Medicine

Seek out an herbalist or Naturopath. Ask what he or she would recommend to help with the symptoms and how to help the problem. Of course, you should also talk with your primary care physician or the vein doctor about anything that you want to use. While these herbs and such should not harm you in anyway, it is always good to let your medical doctor know what you are doing so nothing will interfere with future treatments.

If you notice tingling in your legs, get leg cramps at night, or are starting to see blue lines up the back of your legs, follow the above tips to reduce the chance of varicose veins forming. Even if you never get them, the tips can also help with the symptoms you are currently experiencing.