Varicose veins are a common condition—according to the University of Rochester Medical Center, over 40 million U.S. adults are affected by these twisted, enlarged blood vessels. They typically appear in the legs and feet, and while they can be unsightly, they can also lead to discomfort, swelling, aching, and more serious complications if left untreated. Whether you're already dealing with varicose veins or want to learn how to manage them should they appear, understanding the connection between exercise and vein disease is essential for better venous health.
While exercise can help alleviate certain symptoms and prevent the progression of varicose veins, professional vein treatments are intended to provide long-term relief and address the underlying cause of the condition. Let’s dive into the relationship between vein disease and exercise and learn why professional treatments are superior for long-lasting vein health.
Is your quality of life affected by spider veins, varicose veins, or other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency? Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) can help. Start by taking our self-assessment, which will provide key insights into your suitability for professional vein treatment.
Varicose veins occur when the valves inside the veins become damaged, leading to poor blood circulation. The lack of proper circulation causes blood to pool in the veins, which causes them to stretch and enlarge. This creates visible bulging veins, typically in the legs, but it may also result in symptoms such as heaviness, aching, swelling, and even ulcers or blood clots.
While genetics, age, and hormonal changes can contribute to the development of varicose veins, lifestyle factors, including prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, and lack of exercise, can also increase the risk.
Keeping in mind that lack of exercise can increase the risk of developing varicose veins, the reverse is also true—staying active is an excellent measure for preventing varicose veins. Though exercise won’t eliminate varicose veins, regular physical activity can help boost circulation, alleviate discomfort, and stop the condition from worsening. Here’s how:
It’s worth repeating that routine physical activity is one of the best ways to improve blood flow, particularly in the lower extremities, where varicose veins are most common. Exercise helps encourage the muscles, especially the calf muscles, to contract and pump blood back to the heart. This reduces the pressure in the veins and helps prevent blood from pooling.
Stronger leg muscles provide more support to the veins, making it easier for them to move blood upward. This reduces the strain on the veins, alleviating discomfort and preventing further damage.
Physical movement is crucial in preventing blood from stagnating in the veins. According to WebMD, regular exercise can help lower the risk of developing blood clots, which can be a serious complication of varicose veins, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Excess weight places added pressure on your veins, particularly in the legs. By maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise, you can alleviate some of the pressure that contributes to varicose veins.
Gentle exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can reduce the swelling and heaviness in the legs often associated with varicose veins. This can improve comfort and quality of life for those affected by the condition.
The bottom line? While exercise has several benefits for those impacted by symptoms of vein disease, it’s considered a temporary fix for the discomfort these symptoms cause rather than a complete cure for the underlying condition.
Not only that, but some exercises may actually worsen symptoms of varicose veins and vein disease by increasing pressure on the veins. Those working to manage progressing cases of vein disease should avoid the following:
Running, jumping, and other high-impact aerobic activities can put additional stress on the veins, exacerbating symptoms or causing them to worsen with time.
Lifting heavy weights can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which, in turn, raises pressure in the veins of the legs.
Activities that require you to stand for long periods without moving can lead to blood pooling in the veins, worsening symptoms.
While exercise plays an important role in managing varicose veins, professional vein treatments are ultimately the most effective way to treat their root cause. These treatments target and correct the specific problem of damaged or weakened veins, offering long-term relief and preventing the condition from causing further discomfort.
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating larger varicose veins. A laser fiber is placed into the affected vein, releasing heat that causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. This treatment is particularly effective for veins deeper in the leg and offers quick recovery with no need for general anesthesia. Patients can usually resume typical activities within a few days.
EVLT is highly effective, with a high success rate and minimal discomfort. It provides a convenient, low-risk option for those with larger veins. As a minimally invasive treatment, it’s a great choice for those who prefer a quick, outpatient procedure without the need for more extensive surgery.
Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive treatment where a sclerosant solution is injected into smaller veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade. It’s commonly used for spider veins and smaller varicose veins. This procedure is quick, low-cost, and requires no anesthesia, making it an excellent option for patients looking to improve the appearance of their legs.
The main benefit of sclerotherapy is its ability to treat small veins with minimal discomfort and downtime. However, it may require multiple sessions for optimal results and may not be effective for larger veins. That said, sclerotherapy is a cost-effective, non-surgical treatment for cosmetic improvement and symptom relief.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat delivered by a catheter to close off larger varicose veins. The procedure is minimally invasive and offers a less painful and quicker recovery compared to traditional vein stripping. RFA is ideal for larger veins and provides effective, long-term results without the need for general anesthesia.
The advantages of RFA include minimal discomfort, no incisions, and a short recovery period. Patients can often return to normal activities within a few days, making it a preferred option for those with more severe varicose veins.
While there’s no way for exercise alone to work as a complete cure for vein disease, it’s proven to temporarily prevent the worsening of symptoms and provide other worthwhile benefits. Professional vein treatments offer immediate and long-lasting relief by directly addressing the underlying vein issues. Activity can help with circulation and symptom management but cannot eliminate already damaged veins. Combining both professional treatments and regular exercise is the best approach for maintaining vein health and preventing complications.
If you're dealing with varicose veins, there’s no need to put off therapy until the condition worsens. Contact a board-certified CVR vein specialist to explore treatment options to help you achieve healthier, more comfortable legs. Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR location near you today.