American College of Phlebology Says, ''It's Not Vain to Care About your Veins!''; 7 Easy Steps Towards Beautiful Legs.

"They're just spider veins."; "Varicose veins are ugly, but they're not a real problem."

For years that's the kind of guidance many people with spider and varicose veins received from the medical community. Only when the bulging, rope-like veins became swollen and painful would they be removed in a surgical vein stripping procedure. But in recent years there's been a seismic shift in thinking about vein disease. Varicose veins afflict some 80 million Americans and are increasingly being recognized as the disfiguring, debilitating and often painful ailment they are.

Research in vein disorders has increased exponentially and new diagnostic tools and relatively painless treatments are making a huge difference in people's lives. Phlebologists now use innovative treatments involving lasers and other high-tech equipment resulting in smaller incisions, procedures done in a clinic or doctor's office and shorter recovery times with little or no scarring. At the same time, many insurance companies are now covering at least part of the cost of varicose vein treatments.

Seven Steps toward Beautiful Legs

Whether you are at risk for developing varicose veins or you already
have them, these tips can discourage their formation or reduce the
severity of symptoms especially if you work in a profession that
requires long hours of standing.

    1) Develop an Exercise Routine. Walking, running, stair climbing,
       dancing, swimming, using elliptical machine or biking for 30
       minutes five to seven days per week will help reduce aching,
       pain and tiredness in your legs.

    2) Move your legs frequently. Raising your heels and flexing your
       ankles ten times will pump the blood out of your legs like
       walking does. Repeat this every ten minutes while standing or
       sitting and try to walk for at least two minutes every half
       hour.

    3) Maintain a proper weight. Even moderate weight loss may reduce
       aching caused by varicose veins and diminish the rate at which
       spider veins develop.

    4) Avoid overly tight clothing. Wearing clothing or undergarments
       that are too tight can constrict blood flow.

    5) Elevate your legs. Elevating your legs above heart level for at
       least ten minutes once or twice daily may diminish aching and
       swelling.

    6) Wear Support Hose. Available at pharmacies and medical supply
       stores, there are many brands to choose from. Lighter support
       stockings are available at department stores. However, it is
       best to wear a stocking that is label "graduated" as this will
       help to improve your vein function.

     Light support: 4-14 mm        Heavy support: 20-30 mm
     Moderate support: 15-20 mm    Prescription strength: 30-40 mm or
                                                          above

    7) Consult a phlebologist or vein specialist. Go online to the
       American College of Phlebology website at www.phlebology.org
       to learn more about treatments for vein disease or to find a
       vein or phlebology specialist in your area.

       From The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for
       Clinicians edited by Helane S. Fronek, MD, FACP, FACPh, 2004