what can I do to reduce varicose veins in my wife's legs?

Would elevating her legs to my shoulders while lying in bed and massaging her legs from ankles to thighs help at all?

Answers from doctors (7)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 13, 2010

Your treatment is a temporary fix to a more significant underlying problem.Your wife should have a venous reflux exam to determine the cause of the varicose veins and then proper treatment depending on the findings.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Your treatment is a temporary fix to a more significant underlying problem.Your wife should have a venous reflux exam to determine the cause of the varicose veins and then proper treatment depending on the findings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 20, 2009

It may temporarily help with the symptoms but would not offer a cure.

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Answered by Miller Vein

It may temporarily help with the symptoms but would not offer a cure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Nov 19, 2009

It may help her symptoms, but will not reduce the varicose veins in her legs. They will still be there when she stand up. Varicose veins are due to faulty venous valves that cannot be corrected with elevation and massage.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

It may help her symptoms, but will not reduce the varicose veins in her legs. They will still be there when she stand up. Varicose veins are due to faulty venous valves that cannot be corrected with elevation and massage.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Nov 18, 2009

Varicose veins happen because of pulling of blood from deep veins through incompetent valves between the deep and superficial system under effects of gravity on our legs, and compartment pressures. Genetics is the most important factor for getting varicose veins, and applies to more than 85% of cases of varicose veins. So, if your wife's relatives have this kind of problem, then you cannot do much. Many factors assist in generation and aggravation of varicose veins. Pregnancy, through hormonal changes, and the mechanical effect of the weight of uterus and its contents on the pelvic floor veins will intensify the occurrence/aggravation of varicose veins. Therefore, the number of pregnancies is another aggravating factor. The female hormone, progesterone, and pregnancy are the reason why females have varicose veins 2-3 times more often than men. The DAILY
wearing of strong compression stockings is the only way to slow down the progression of varicose veins. Of course wearing tight compression stockings everyday, is not practical. Men who ask their wives to wear these stocking everyday of their lives, in place of
getting proper treatment, should try them for few days themselves. But practically, short of getting proper So, dear sir, the best way is to see the correct vein specialist, such an experienced board certified phlebologist.

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Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Varicose veins happen because of pulling of blood from deep veins through incompetent valves between the deep and superficial system under effects of gravity on our legs, and compartment pressures. Genetics is the most important factor for getting varicose veins, and applies to more than 85% of cases of varicose veins. So, if your wife's relatives have this kind of problem, then you cannot do much. Many factors assist in generation and aggravation of varicose veins. Pregnancy, through hormonal changes, and the mechanical effect of the weight of uterus and its contents on the pelvic floor veins will intensify the occurrence/aggravation of varicose veins. Therefore, the number of pregnancies is another aggravating factor. The female hormone, progesterone, and pregnancy are the reason why females have varicose veins 2-3 times more often than men. The DAILY
wearing of strong compression stockings is the only way to slow down the progression of varicose veins. Of course wearing tight compression stockings everyday, is not practical. Men who ask their wives to wear these stocking everyday of their lives, in place of
getting proper treatment, should try them for few days themselves. But practically, short of getting proper So, dear sir, the best way is to see the correct vein specialist, such an experienced board certified phlebologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Nov 18, 2009

Your proposed treatment would provide a temporary relief of symptoms, but would not improve her legs varicosities. She needs an exam to determine which one/ones of the avilable treatments is thr right one for her.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Your proposed treatment would provide a temporary relief of symptoms, but would not improve her legs varicosities. She needs an exam to determine which one/ones of the avilable treatments is thr right one for her.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 18, 2009

Elevation and massage should help.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Elevation and massage should help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 18, 2009

The best thing to prevent and decrease varicose veins and the symptoms
that come with them is walking. Sitting or standing in one place for a
long period of time should be avoided. If this cannot be avoided, we
recommend wearing compression hose during those times. Elevation helps
to alleviate any pain or swelling associated with varicose veins.




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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

The best thing to prevent and decrease varicose veins and the symptoms
that come with them is walking. Sitting or standing in one place for a
long period of time should be avoided. If this cannot be avoided, we
recommend wearing compression hose during those times. Elevation helps
to alleviate any pain or swelling associated with varicose veins.




Published on Jul 11, 2012

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