Most people want to have smooth, even-toned, attractive legs. If you see spider veins popping up all over the place, you may worry that your legs are not and will not be as attractive. Thankfully, while there is no way to 100 percent prevent spider veins, there are some pretty reliable ways to keep them from getting worse. Start by following these steps.

1. Spend less time on your feet.

Often, spider veins are caused -- at least in part -- by blood pooling in your legs. When blood pools in the veins, it causes the walls of those veins to weaken. In an attempt to make up for the insufficient operation of the damaged veins, your body forms new veins, which appear as spider veins. Blood gets stuck in these tiny veins, which is why they take on an ugly, dark red or bluish appearance.

One of the best ways to encourage blood to pool in your leg veins, thereby leading to spider veins, is to stand on your feet all day. When you're not moving around, your muscles can't push on your veins and help direct blood back up to your heart. If possible, try to avoid standing in one place during the day. Walk around when you get the chance, or take a break and sit down. 

2. Invest in better shoes.

More comfortable, better-padded shoes can help keep your legs and feet from becoming so sore, swollen, and inflamed during the day. When your legs are less inflamed, blood can travel through your veins more easily, so you are less likely to develop spider veins. Especially if you work on your feet, make sure you invest in quality walking shoes with a sturdy and supportive midsole. Try your shoes on before buying them to ensure they fit your foot well and are actually comfortable. 

Also stay away from heels and sandals whenever possible. They put more strain on your feet, leading to increased inflammation and a higher risk of spider veins.

3. Wear compression stockings.

You can buy compression stockings or compression socks at more drugstores. They fit tightly around your leg, which helps keep blood from pooling in your veins. You don't have to wear them all of the time, but they're a good idea when you have to spend all day on your feet or when you are traveling in an airplane and can't get up to walk around very easily. Make sure you pay attention to the size when buying compression socks. They are typically sized based on body weight. Resist the urge to buy a larger size for comfort; they don't do their job if they're too loose.

4. Talk to your doctor about any hormonal treatments you're using.

If you are taking birth control pills or hormone supplements of any other variety, talk to your doctor about these medications and how they might affect your risk of spider veins. Birth control pills, especially, can affect your circulation. Your doctor may switch you to a lower-dose pill or one without estrogen to help protect against spider veins. 

If you follow the tips above, you may be able to keep your spider veins from worsening. However, you won't be able to get existing spider veins to go away. To get rid of your current spider veins, you'll need to see your doctor for treatment. They may recommend laser-based surgery, sclerotherapy, or another remedy to make your legs look uniform and vein-free once again. Today's vein treatment methods are very safe and usually you can find pain-free spider vein treatments, so you don't have to worry too much about the recovery process!