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Varicose veins and walking
Your calf muscles help push blood back up your legs. Walking keeps that pump working.
Why walking helps#
Regular walking can ease aching and heaviness for many people with varicose veins.
Tips#
- Compression stockings, if your doctor recommends them.
- Put your feet up after walking.
- Avoid standing still for long periods; a short walk breaks it up.
See a doctor if#
A vein becomes red, hot, hard and painful, a leg swells suddenly, or you have a wound that won't heal.
Handy tools: Heart-rate zones · Realistic weight-loss timeline · Questions for your doctor
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Last reviewed October 30, 2026 · Updated November 1, 2026 · Sources · General information, not medical advice.