April 23, 2021 The Vein Institute Vein doctors are often asked by their patients about exercise – can exercise help reduce, or cure, varicose veins? Or does
exercise make varicose veins even worse? To help answer those questions, exercise and varicose veins: here’s what you need to know. If you already suffer from varicose veins then there are exercises which may ease your symptoms, however, unfortunately, exercise alone cannot cure varicose veins. For those looking for prevention options, the good news is that regular physical activity can reduce your chances of developing varicose veins. Most types of aerobic exercise – particularly walking and running – are great for your veins because they work the calf and leg muscles, improving blood flow back up to the heart. Walking is especially recommended for people who suffer from varicose veins, due to it being a low-impact workout. The simple movements help strengthen calf muscles without putting strain on your body. Is lifting weights bad for varicose veins?Exercise is one of the most effective measures of preventing vein disease however if you are worried that lifting weights will cause you to develop varicose veins then it is handy to know that unless you are lifting very heavyweight, or performing compound movements such as one-rep exercises, it’s unlikely that damage will occur. For those who are experiencing extreme symptoms from vein disease or varicose veins, your doctor may advise you cut-back on lifting heavyweight as it could put additional pressure on your already weakened blood vessels. Compression socks and stockings are an option and should be discussed with your doctor. Which exercises are good for varicose veins?Although exercise cannot cure varicose veins, it can alleviate pain and improve circulation and overall vein health.
The above are examples of how exercise can assist in improving vein health, the information is general in nature. Please speak with your doctor before participating in any exercise. As well as exercise, vitamins and supplements may helpA great way to bolster your circulation is by eating foods that support your veins. Certain fruits and veggies contain micronutrients that are vital to ensuring good vascular health, including:
Avoid highly processed foods that contain high levels of sodium. These can cause your body to retain water and impair normal blood circulation. On the other hand, food rich in potassium (almonds, potatoes, salmon and white beans) tends to minimise water retention and bloating. For more information on varicose veins, check out these articles: Seek expert adviceThe doctors at The Vein Institute specialise in varicose vein treatment. We offer patients a comprehensive treatment program to treat varicose veins, with non-surgical laser treatment techniques. The benefits of laser treatment to patients are;
To book a consultation and discuss our treatment program, call 1300 535 017 or submit an online form. Recent PostsWhat exercise is best for varicose veins?Generally, low-impact exercises are best, and include the following:. Walking or Running. Walking just 30 minutes a day for five days a week can yield good benefits. ... . Leg Lifts. You need to do this move regularly to see the benefits. ... . Bicycling or Bicycle Legs. ... . Lunges. ... . Rocking Your Feet. ... . Standing Calf Raises.. Can exercise worsen varicose veins?Heavy Weight Lifting, Lunges, and Squats place an added strain and pressure on venous walls in the legs. You have probably noticed bulging veins on people that lift heavy weights. The same amount of strain placed on varicose veins can worsen the condition.
What can worsen varicose veins?Lifestyle choices like prolonged sitting or standing can cause varicose veins because of the added pressure on the veins. If your job requires you to sit for extended periods of time or to stand for extended periods of time, you are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins.
Can I workout with varicose veins?While exercise won't cure varicose veins, it can help improve your symptoms and reduce your risk of developing more. Walking, biking and swimming are all great low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints and help circulation in varicose veins.
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