Athletes and the general public alike will be surprised to know that even those in great shape are susceptible to varicose veins. We often think that those who work out often and stay physically fit are immune from such conditions, but this is not the reality.
Even though the human body can withstand a great deal of stress, athletes have a habit of overlooking cramping, tightness and swelling. We now know that varicose veins can cause many of these symptoms, along with tenderness and weakness.
If overlooked, varicose veins can become serious sports injuries, taking athletes out of the game altogether. Varicose veins can also lead to serious circulatory problems if left untreated. With all this said, there are many treatments that can help athletes turn things around and keep themselves fit and active.
How Varicose Veins Can Hamper An Athlete’s Performance:
Most people associate varicose veins with genes, aging, obesity, and frequent standing. The stress involved in athletic training and performance, especially distance running, weightlifting, cycling and many other activities can also exacerbate the condition.
Increased amounts of exercise stimulate your circulation, which will increase the volume of blood flowing into your legs. As blood returns to the heart, it puts a great deal of pressure on the walls and valves of your veins. As the pressure rises, pain and swelling can weaken your legs, reducing your endurance of strength and your cardiovascular system.
How To Deal With The Symptoms:
There are a few steps that athletes can take to prevent the chances of developing varicose veins. Making a few changes to training workout sessions, such as placing resistance bands on their calves to stimulate the muscle pump and increase blood circulation, can have a positive effect.
Wearing compression socks, as those often seen with distance runners, can reduce the chances of varicose veins. These socks can prevent rising blood pressure and blood from collecting in their legs. Blood will continue to circulate properly preventing pain and swelling.
Blood pooling often causes varicose veins, therefore, athletes should do whatever they can to reduce the amount of blood that will become trapped in their lower legs directly after training or working out. Also, elevating their legs regularly will help the veins drain correctly allowing for good blood flow to the heart.
As an athlete, if you have access to a swimming pool that is shallow you can get in and perform toe raises. The contraction of the muscles will help stimulate circulation in your legs. The water will help prevent gravity from pooling or trapping blood.
Athletes, just like everyone else, will not find relief from varicose veins unless the causes are addressed. Look into different treatments and therapies that are non-invasive that can be brought into your training and work out sessions. If you are suffering from pain and swcelling in the legs, you should contact The Secret Vein Clinic for a diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options including laser vein treatment and sclerotherapy.