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If you want to prevent varicose veins from getting worse, focus on reducing venous pooling and pressure. The biggest culprits are staying still for too long, ignoring swelling or skin changes, wearing restrictive clothing in the wrong places, heavy straining with poor technique, and assuming the condition will “stay the same”.

Most patients can start walking immediately (often the same day) after varicose vein treatment. Light exercise is commonly fine from around day 5–7, while running, heavy lifting, and contact sports are usually better left until about 2–4 weeks, depending on the procedure and how much bruising or tenderness you have. If you had extensive microphlebectomy (multiple small incisions), you may need a little longer for recovery.

Weight gain can make varicose veins feel worse because it raises pressure in the leg veins, makes it harder for blood to return upwards efficiently, and often reduces activity (which weakens the calf “pump” that helps circulation). Losing weight can improve swelling and heaviness, but it usually doesn’t repair damaged valves if reflux is already present.

Aching or crampy legs at night can have several causes, but chronic venous insufficiency (venous reflux) is a common and often overlooked trigger- especially if you also notice ankle swelling, visible varicose veins, or ankle itching/discolouration. Other possibilities include muscle overuse, restless legs, nerve irritation, or hydration/electrolyte issues. If pain is severe, one-sided, or linked to coldness, colour change, wounds, or breathlessness, seek urgent medical assessment.