Exercise and Varicose Veins: The Dos and Don’ts
Physical activity is one of the key components of a healthy life. Regular exercise will not only make you feel better but help prevent numerous health problems. Exercise is also important in preventing vein disease. But even athletes may have varicose and spider veins, you’ll say. Do people with healthy habits have them?
The truth is there are many factors that put you at risk, such as prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, genetic predispositions, and excess body weight. Some exercises can, in fact, increase the risk of having vein disease. Chronic venous insufficiency is a result of blood not circulating correctly upward from the feet and legs to the heart, and strenuous exercise disrupts the blood flow.
If you already have varicose or spider veins and you have questions about your exercise routine, you should consult a doctor. He will answer all the questions you might have and present the treatment options, so that you can decide on the best laser vein removal in Los Angeles or the area you live.
If you are at risk for vein disease, you should choose an exercise routine that will improve your blood circulation without putting too much strain on your legs and abdomen. There are many such workouts that will help you build cardiovascular health and get your legs in shape. Here are some guidelines.
Walk, don’t run
Walking is a low-impact activity and the best exercise choice. It stretches and strengthens your calf muscles and, gentle as it is, it still gets your heart pumping. The outcome is improved blood flow. Walk 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week to get optimal results.
Running most certainly gets your calves going and boosts circulation. However, as a high-impact sport, it can have adverse effects on your legs, feet and joints. This may further aggravate backed-up veins. The repetitive strain on your body is immense, especially if you’re running on a hard surface like concrete sidewalk. These surfaces may cause more stress to your muscles and joints and cause aches, pain and injuries. If you are a die-hard runner, run at a mild pace on a softer surface like grass or the treadmill. Also, make sure you have adequate footwear with cushioning and remember to wear compression socks.
Go for low-impact exercises
Try stationary bike or elliptical, which allow you to adjust the intensity and encourage circulation without too much straining. The goal is not to put too much pressure on your legs and yet get them pumping. Dancing, hiking and swimming at a moderate pace are great full-body workouts that build muscle and help you gain strength without putting too much pressure on your joints and veins.
Avoid weightlifting
Increased abdominal pressure and straining are not good for your veins because they can reduce blood flowing up the leg veins going back to the heart. Blood flows through the vena cava in the abdomen and heavy lifting causes blood to pool in the leg veins, which leads to increased pressure in the veins.
This is why weightlifting is not a good choice for your veins, but if you still want to lift weights, try doing more repetitions with lighter weights and, if possible, keep your legs at the same level or higher than the heart. Breathing is also important so don’t hold your breath while lifting, exhale instead. It would be best to walk or ride a stationary bike afterward to reestablish proper blood circulation.
The best laser vein removal Los Angeles
Worsening spider veins and enlarged superficial veins demand precise treatment plan and will only get worse if not treated. If you are looking for the best laser vein removal Los Angeles, contact the Beverly Hills Vein Institute and schedule an appointment. We specialize in non-surgical treatments, such as Sclerotherapy, for both spider vein and varicose vein removal, as well as Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) and Microphlebectomy, which is often combined with EVLT to ensure the best outcome in varicose vein treatment. Call us and find your optimal alternative to the traditional vein surgery.