- Exercise is important to promote blood circulation, so your pain and swelling from your varicose veins can be relieved. However, you should engage in moderate exercise instead of strenuous activities, such as running, because they increase your blood pressure in the veins and can further aggravate pain and swelling. Some moderate exercises include walking and swimming.
- Stretch your calves to reduce swelling in your veins and to help pump blood from your legs back to your heart. Stand on an aerobic step or a raised platform. Extend your heels over the back edge of the step and raise yourself up on your toes and continue this motion for 40 repetitions. You can also stretch and tone your calves by alternating between walking only on your toes and then only on your calves.
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The pedaling motion exercise helps elevate your legs to increase blood circulation. You can pedal by lying flat on your back with your hands underneath your buttocks. Lift your legs and pedal them, emulating the motion of riding a bicycle. Keep "pedaling" until you feel the pain in your legs reduce.
Another good exercise to relieve pain from your varicose veins is doing knee bends. While still on your back, bring one knee towards your chest. Hold onto your leg behind the knee and point and flex your foot. Take your time in performing this motion and do so forcefully. After 30 repetitions with one foot, do the same with the other leg.
To help the blood flow back to your heart, elevate your legs about one-half foot to a foot above your heart. You can lie on your back with your buttocks nearly touching the wall. Rest your legs in the elevated position against the wall. This will provide rest to your legs, while stimulating blood flow through your legs and back to your heart.
