5 Exercises to Do When You Have Varicose Veins 

Varicose veins are a condition that happens when faulty valves in the veins allow the blood to flow in the wrong direction or allow it to pool. It’s relatively common, as varicose veins affect 50% of women and 45% of men. These veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisted; they often appear blue or purple. Sometimes, people might have this condition with little to no symptoms. Other times, symptoms do emerge and will require treatment. Whether you are experiencing painful symptoms or not, varicose veins can be somewhat of a nuisance. Exercise can help mitigate some discomfort and help ease some of the pain. Let’s take a look at some of the best exercises you can do that might help varicose veins. 

While exercise in and of itself does not completely prevent varicose veins, regular exercise can certainly reduce the chance that you’ll get them. Simple mitigations like changing your position if you’re sitting or standing regularly will help in improving blood flow and circulation. For varicose veins specifically, low impact exercises have proven quite effective in increasing your body’s ability to pump blood up the leg toward the heart. 

Walking

Walking is often underrated as a good form of exercise that is low impact and quite beneficial in a variety of ways. It is not only safe for people of all ages and fitness levels but when done regularly, it can be highly beneficial for health. Regular walks help with weight loss, healthy blood pressure, and the strengthening of your bones and muscles. 

Bicycling

This can refer to both stationary and traditional bicycles. It is another low impact exercise that is not only fun but very beneficial for people of all ages. It increases circulation while protecting your joints and not putting a lot of pressure on them. Bicycling strengthens your calf muscles and promotes healthy blood flow. 

Lunges

Lunges are a functional movement that works for many different muscle groups in your lower body, including quads, calves, and feet. Keeping the leg muscles moving and strong can keep blood flowing. The great thing about this exercise is that you can do it with the only bodyweight or choose to add some resistance and carry some dumbbells or a little weight for added strength building. It’s also an easy exercise to do in the comfort of your own home, a park, or any room with a little walking space. A semi-long hallway will do the trick as well. To do a lunge, stand erect and then take a step forward. As you step forward bend one knee. Keep the knee right above the ankle. Then you go back up, take another step and repeat. 

Rocking Your Feet

That’s right, we’re talking about rocking your feet back and forth from heel to toe. This simple exercise can be done when you’re relaxing in your living room. This helps with circulation and is a simple way to get the blood flowing in your legs. 

Swimming

Swimming is not only fun but it is highly beneficial for people looking to lose weight and increase their overall health. When it comes to people with varicose veins, swimming is a great low-impact way to increase the blood flow and ease some of the pain and inflammation in the legs. 

Treat Your Varicose Veins and Get Back to a Healthy Lifestyle 

If you suffer from varicose veins and have tried mitigating the effects or symptoms with exercise to no avail, it might be time to seek treatment for this condition and find a treatment plan that works for you. Here at El Paso Varicose Veins, we can help people of all ages maintain and continue a healthy lifestyle by treating their varicose veins.