People with vigorous exercise routines often wonder whether they are at an increased risk of developing varicose veins or of making their existing condition worse.
Let’s start by confirming that exercise is actually one of the best ways to keep your veins healthy.
When your muscles contract during exercise, your veins use this as an opportunity to send blood back to your heart and maintain a healthy blood flow, which is why almost all aerobic exercise is beneficial.
Whether you have a higher risk of developing varicose veins or already have them, your doctor will recommend that you keep exercising because it improves your circulation. With this being said, not all exercise is right for someone with varicose veins.
Vigorous Exercise and Varicose Veins
If you already have damaged veins, a vigorous exercise routine that requires you to lift or strain your legs could place even more pressure on your veins and affect your circulations. It’s for this reason that your doctor may tell you to avoid exercises such as lunges, squats, crunches and general weight lifting.
If weight lifting is something that you enjoy, you can speak to a clinic specialised in varicose veins treatment about the possibility of wearing compression socks or stockings, which will encourage more blood flow to your heart.
Exercise Recommendations for Those with Varicose Veins
If you already have varicose veins or just a higher risk of developing vein disease, gentle exercise routines are recommended.
Walking is always a great option because it works the muscles in your legs and benefits your circulation, all without placing any unnecessary strain on your legs. For example, your muscles will experience far more impact when running on the pavement than taking a brisk walk.
If you’re in the process of developing a new exercise routine, start by sticking to 30 minutes of walking, five days a week. Not only will you boost your health but your veins will benefit too.
If walking is not really your thing, you can also try out other low-impact exercises such as stationary bike riding and training on an elliptical, which will still work the muscles in your legs without placing unnecessary stress on your joints.
Those with a severe case of varicose veins may find that even a mild exercise routine isn’t possible. Fortunately, there are still ways to improve your blood circulation when you’re sitting down. Start by flexing your calf muscles and rotating your ankles as this will already get the blood moving.
If you are in a standing position, you can rock your feet from heel to toe to activate your calf muscles and increase blood flow. Even though these types of mild exercises won’t reduce the appearance of your varicose veins, they can still relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with this condition.
If you will be seeking treatment from a professional, speak to them about additional exercises that you can use to stay healthy and address your varicose veins.
