Curious how workouts might contribute to varicose veins? You’re in the right place. Although many people associate varicose veins with jobs that require long hours of standing, like nurses, teachers, or retail workers, that’s only part of the picture. Genetics plays a major role, so if you have a family history of varicose veins, your risk is already elevated. Obesity, prolonged sitting (such as desk jobs), and even pregnancy can also contribute to poor vein health. What’s often overlooked is that certain exercise habits can also aggravate your veins. High-impact workouts, heavy lifting without proper technique, or skipping warm-ups and cool-downs can all place extra pressure on your veins. If you’re starting to notice bulging or discomfort, don’t ignore the signs, as varicose veins can worsen over time. Give us a call at 858-412-3353 to schedule a free vein screening and learn more about the treatment options available to you. Taking the first step toward healthier veins is easier than you think.
If you work out regularly, it’s important to know there are simple steps you can take to help prevent varicose veins caused by exercise:
Go Slow and Avoid Unnecessary Impact:
If you are new to working out or being involved in exercise training, high-impact workouts can lead to various health conditions including varicose veins. If you are a runner and spend your time on hard surfaces, such as concrete, you are adding a great deal of impact in your exercise. You should wear compression stockings or compression suits and try to stick to softer running surfaces. The idea is to improve your overall blood flow from your legs and decrease the risks of swelling, aches, and pains.
If you cannot handle running or other high-impact exercising routines, try walking. Walking is a safer alternative and will reduce the stress and strain on your body. Whether a runner or not, walking offer many great benefits, including increased blood circulation. If your job requires hours of sitting, take a break and go for a walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and discover how helpful these actions can be. If walking is out of the question because you already suffer from varicose veins, try rotating your ankles and rocking your legs back and forth to increase blood circulation.
While at The Gym:
Working out and Varicose Veins
You can still get a great workout without worrying about causing stress and strain to your body. Your gym has many alternatives that you should take advantage of. Try riding a stationary bike, which is low-impact but will help you burn off those calories while increasing your blood flow.
Another great alternative at the gym is using the swimming pool, which is an excellent form of exercise. You will get a great workout without running the risk of developing varicose veins. Swimming has always been a great form of exercise for your entire body and will place our legs in a horizontal position. The water can reduce the pull of gravity and the cool element of the water will soothe any discomforts that are associated with varicose veins.
If weightlifting is your thing, be advised that this is as strenuous as running and can prevent your blood flowing properly from your legs to your heart. Restricting the flow of blood will cause your blood to pool, causing your veins to enlarge thus leading to varicose veins. Unless you are a seasoned weightlifter and know what you should and should not do, stay away from lifting heavy weights. Lifting heavy objects will lead to strain and increase abdominal pressure. Lunges, squats, sit-ups, and other similar exercises can lead to stress on your veins. Some forms of yoga can also potentially lead to vein disease.
Total Fitness Is Not the End All:
If you already suffer from varicose veins, consider changing your workout. Although some diets and exercises can help to reduce the risk of varicose veins, none of these activities will prevent varicose veins or solve your pre-existing varicose vein issues. A good diet and sensible exercises can improve your condition and provide pain relief if done properly.
Workout Tips to Avoid Varicose Veins:
- Exercising regularly
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Wear compression stockings
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Elevating your legs
- Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing – always move regularly
- Quit tobacco
- Reducing salt intake
FAQs: Varicose Veins and Your Workout Routine
What causes varicose veins? Blood moves towards the heart through one-way valves in your veins, and when these veins become weak or damaged, blood may flow backwards and collect within the veins. This causes the veins to enlarge and become varicose and may look blue or people under the skin.
What happens if varicose veins are left untreated? If you leave varicose veins untreated, you may be putting yourself at risk for developing complications such as swelling, skin ulcers, pain in the legs, blood clots, and bleeding. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms mentioned, please visit a doctor immediately. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, it is important to receive a check up to make sure you are not at risk for developing complications in the future.
How long does the procedure take? The procedure varies depending on how many veins you have. You can have one to four damaged veins. Therefore the procedure ranges from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the severity of the veins.
Can I treat varicose veins at home? You can, but these treatments are only beneficial for minimizing symptoms and not considered long term solutions. Treatments such as elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, running or walking more, not standing or sitting for long periods of time, and maintaining a healthy weight are just a few examples of what you can do at home to reduce the pain and discomfort you may experience from your varicose veins.
If you are suffering from the pain of varicose veins or simply want to learn more about the subject, read up and learn about diet and exercise routines that are best for your body. Schedule an appointment with your vein specialist and find out what you can do to improve your condition. Your specialist will be glad to go over a good diet and what exercises can help alleviate your symptoms. If you are experiencing varicose veins, give us a call today to schedule your FREE consultation! 858-412-3353
