Varicose veins are enlarged veins that often affect the lower extremities. Their development can be accelerated by certain conditions like obesity, pregnancy, and constipation. In some cases, they can develop in connection to cardiovascular diseases.
Managing Varicose Veins Through Exercise
Regular physical activity benefits patients with varicose veins as it forces the muscles to contract and relax with every movement. This serves as a pump that brings the blood back to the heart.
Exercise can help lower your risk of varicose vein-related complications like ulcers, thrombosis, and infection.
However, not all exercise practices are beneficial to those suffering from varicose veins. In fact, some may do more harm than good. Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville shares a few “Dos” and “Don’ts” when it comes to exercising with varicose veins.
The Do’s
● Choose low-impact exercises
Walking is a simple yet effective way of improving the circulation in the legs. The benefit to walking is that it is easily fit it in your schedule. Small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking your car farther away from the office can ‘force’ you to find time to walk. Other exercises to consider that improve circulation in the legs are cycling and swimming.
● Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
When exercising make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Tight clothing not only makes you feel uncomfortable, but also has the potential to restrict proper blood flow, especially in the legs.
The Don’ts
● Strenuous exercises
Strenuous exercises can further aggravate the swelling of the leg veins. If you opt to do these exercises (an example is long distance running), be sure to run on ‘soft’ surfaces like on a grass and wear compression garments.
● Lift weight that is too heavy
Adding too much weight in your workout can decrease the blood flow from the legs to the heart. If you still want to incorporate weight lifting, it’s best to focus on the number of reps and stick on a lower amount of weight.
Although varicose veins are not always preventable due to contributors like genetics, exercise is one way to help manage them and reduce your risk. If you are not able to find relief from management efforts at home, there are minimally invasive treatment options available.
Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville has a team of vascular experts who can guide you from assessment to treatment so you can finally say goodbye to your painful and unsightly varicose veins. To schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today, call 865-588-8229.
For a limited time Premier Vein Clinics is offering FREE varicose vein screenings by appointment. Click below to request your free screening today!
