How You Can Treat Varicose Veins With Exercise

Treat Varicose veins with exercise

If you’re somebody who likes to do things the healthy and natural way then this blog post is for you. We will discuss varicose veins and the exercises best for treating these veins. With that being said, Artemis is always here to serve Coloradans with the vein treatment your legs need!

Unfortunately, exercise can’t cure varicose veins, but it can ease your discomfort. While there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins, exercise will improve circulation and tone your muscles, which may reduce your likelihood of developing them.

Getting rid of existing varicose veins can be trickier. While in some cases, more advanced treatments – ranging from minimally invasive treatments to more complicated procedures to remove the veins – may be needed.

However, Artemis encourages those self-care treatments before any vein procedure and in fact, some insurance providers require them! So visit Artemis to know about the best self-care treatments for your individual needs depending upon an ultrasound.

Beginning with self-care treatments, including compression stockings and regular exercise, is a great place to start to ease pain and keep and keep existing varicose veins from getting worse. 

Now, let’s take a look at the different exercises that you can do:

Walking

This is a low-impact exercise that helps improve calf muscle pump action. Dr. David L. Pinsinski recommends walking every day for about 30 to 45 minutes. You can do this as many times a day as you like.

Swimming

The movements in swimming push your legs up and stop blood from pooling in them. Swimming is a great low-impact cardio exercise because it doesn’t require your joints and bones to bear your weight. If you’re new to swimming, but have access to a pool, you can start easy by trading off 30 seconds of activity and 30 seconds of rest.

You can shake things up by focusing on your kicking with a kickboard or trying out full strokes. As you get more comfortable, you can increase your time swimming or the number of laps you’re doing, but try these increases in small intervals.

Cycling or Bicycle legs

Cycling, whether outdoors or on a stationary bike, can be helpful. Like walking, cycling can improve muscle strength in your calves, and like swimming, it’s a low-impact activity that isn’t as load-bearing for your legs.

If you’re cycling, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your duration and your posture though, because long cycling sessions bent over handlebars can reduce blood flow to your legs. If you don’t have a bike, lie on your back with your legs raised and bent. Then pedal in the air like you’re riding a bike. We know this might sound funny, but it actually works.

Yoga

Doing yoga can help as some poses elevate your legs above your heart and help improve circulation. Yoga involves stretching and holding poses while focusing on your breathing. Incorporating simple stretches and working up to more challenging poses can help you start and keep moving. 

Standing/Sitting

While most people think that varicose veins are brought about by prolonged standing, causing pressure on your feet, they can also appear for other reasons. While sitting down can sometimes bring some relief, it is often an aggravator of the condition.

Sometimes all you need to do to reduce the possibility of having varicose veins is to rest your legs. One of the easiest ways to do that is to find a comfortable chair and be cozy in it. Your legs deserve it! 

For long periods of time, your legs are getting the most pressure from gravity and blood flow. Break the cycle every now and then by elevating them to prevent leg veins. Put a few pillows under them or lie down if you can for a better result.

Try not to cross your legs, it may cause circulation problems, constricting the vessels somewhere at the back of your knees. So in a way, you’re doing more harm than good. Just put your feet flat on the floor, or as stated previously, elevate them.

Is there a way to prevent varicose veins from forming? Unfortunately, the answer is no. However, you can prevent existing varicose veins from worsening. 

 

Tips to Manage Varicose Veins

Wear compression hosiery. Compression socks and socks can help to keep your vein valves in the right position. This makes it easier for the veins to function properly and reduces blood pooling, swelling, and pain.

You might experience fewer night cramps after wearing supportive compression during the day. There are various types of compression levels depending on how damaged your veins are. We here at Artemis are happy to measure your legs to determine the best compression stocking fit; mild, moderate, firm, or extra firm – for you.

Live a healthy lifestyle. This is probably the most important point. Varicose veins can develop based on risk factors that you can’t influence. This makes it important to try to practice healthy lifestyle choices to prevent more damage to your veins.

Obesity, with higher pressure inside the veins, is one of the aggravating factors. Eating a healthy diet for your veins based on complex carbohydrates, a sufficient amount of protein, and healthy fats is paramount. Avoid foods high in salt, and include foods high in fiber and potassium.

Drink enough water throughout the day – proper hydration means healthy blood circulation. Avoid tight-fitting clothes. To encourage blood flow, make sure your waistband isn’t too tight. 

 

Artemis Vein & Aesthetic Center – A Leading Med Spa in Westminster, Co.

If all those self-care treatments no longer provide relief from the pain and swelling, don’t wait any longer. Come to Artemis Vein & Aesthetic Center – a premier destination for advanced medical procedures coupled with artistry and skillful care–allowing you to look and feel your best. From specialized vein treatment by our board-certified physician, or exquisite aesthetic services conducted by our esthetician, we have just what you need! Don’t delay another second; Contact us today so that we can help bring renewed health today!