If you have varicose veins, doing some form of exercise may help ease your venous pain and discomfort. Still, it may be hard to motivate yourself to move when your legs feel sore or uncomfortable. It’s worth the effort, though; varicose vein exercises that improve the circulation in your legs and arms can lead to healthier veins, as well as better overall health and well-being.
Sometimes, getting started with exercise is the hardest part, especially if you’ve been sedentary for a while. But diseased veins are often associated with sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time, so overcoming the urge to sit still and becoming more active each day is in your best interest. Start slowly and gradually build up your strength and endurance.
Benefits of Varicose Vein Exercises
A sedentary lifestyle can aggravate vein disease. Exercise helps keep your veins flexible so blood can flow easily. Being physically active on a regular basis also improves your mood as it increases your energy level. Find an exercise buddy to help motivate you to move each day, and change your attitude to make exercise fun.
Being overweight causes added strain on your veins and organs. Excess body fat causes external pressure on your veins, reducing the amount of blood veins and arteries are capable of carrying. Exercise is part of any weight loss program, and it benefits your general overall health, your veins and the rest of your circulatory system. Reach and maintain a healthy weight to improve your health.
The Best Varicose Vein Exercises
While exercise in general is good for your circulation and vein health, some forms of exercise are better than others. Your NYC vein specialist recommends that you incorporate some form of low-impact aerobics into your day. One of the best exercises is walking, which helps to strengthen the muscles in your legs while improving circulation. Challenge yourself to gradually increase the amount you walk each day. Try to work up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Other good choices for low-impact vein exercises that improve blood flow in the lower body include:
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Exercise that involves stretching and deep breathing, such as yoga
- Side leg lifts
- Calf raises
- Core crunches
- Elliptical machines
- Rowing
Worst Exercise Choices for Varicose Veins
Certain exercises can actually hurt you if you have vein disease. Jogging and running, for example, provide health benefits, but they can be hard on your joints and put pressure on your legs. If you love to run, at least avoid running on cement. Choose a softer surface, such as grass or a padded treadmill. Pay attention to any discomfort you feel in your legs. Stop if your legs ache and talk to your Manhattan vein doctor about other exercise options.
Weightlifting is another healthy exercise regimen that can strain your venous circulation. When you strain to lift heavy weights, your blood struggles to travel back to your heart. It may end up pooling in your legs. Also, lifting weights can cause varicose veins in your arms and chest.
When You Can’t Do Vein Exercises
You may have other health problems besides varicose veins that prohibit you from doing exercises, either regularly or during certain times, such as when you’re travelling or sick in bed. During these times, take care of your veins by wearing compression stockings, especially if you have to stand or sit for any length of time. Wearing compression socks on an airplane is beneficial to vein health for anyone!
Try to periodically stretch your legs or rock your calves to increase circulation in your legs too. Be as proactive as you can in trying to do some form of vein exercises. Check with your Manhattan vein doctor before beginning an exercise program. If you have any concerns about your varicose veins and your exercise options, request a consultation at Manhattan Vein Specialists of NYC today.