Varicose veins are unsightly, and oftentimes they also cause discomfort. Fortunately, regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing one. If you already have varicose veins, physical activity can ease the symptoms and control your condition.

Thirty minutes of physical activity per day is recommended. You may go for a straight 30 or break it up into 10. However, not all exercises may not be particularly helpful when it comes to varicosities. Here are 5 best workouts to prevent varicose veins according to a Scottsdale Varicose Vein Doctor:

Regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins and may ease the symptoms and control your condition, if you have them.

Walking

Walking is generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. Regular walking can help maintain normal blood pressure, fortify bones and muscles, burn calories, and improve mood. This is the easiest exercise that you can perform almost anywhere and anytime.

Bicycling

If your current physical state limits your movement, try a low-impact exercise such as cycling. Similar to walking, it increases blood circulation and prevents blood from pooling in one area. Regular cycling also strengthens calf muscles and joints. Both stationary and traditional bicycles can be used.

∙ If you can’t access a bike, try doing this instead:

∙ Lie flat on your back and raise your legs

∙ Make a pedaling motion by drawing your knees to your chest

Leg lifts

Due to gravity, the legs are more vulnerable to varicose veins that any part of your body. Leg veins can be prevented from swelling through leg lifts.

There’s no need for any equipment. Simply lie on your back and lift one leg at a time. Hold it in the air for at least 10 seconds before switching legs. You can also do this while standing. Use a stable object as support and extend your leg in front of you.

Apart from improving blood circulation, leg lifts also stretch muscles to increase flexibility and allow comfortable movement.

Lunges

Varicose veins prevention also requires working other parts of the body. Lunges stretch and strengthen the muscles in your calves and feet. When these muscles are moved, healthy blood flow is encouraged.

Start by standing straight with your feet a bit apart. Step your right foot forward and then bend your knee. Maintain the alignment of the knee and ankle for 10 seconds. Straighten up, relax, and switch legs.

Rocking Feet

Your feet carry all the weight, making it vulnerable to varicosities. Work the muscles in your feet to prevent blood from accumulating in the area.

Put your weight on the ball of your feet for 10 seconds, then slowly lower your heel. Afterward, switch the weight to your heel and raise the ball of your foot. This exercise can be performed while sitting or standing (just make sure to find an object for support).

Yoga

Numerous studies show that yoga can be extremely beneficial to a person’s overall health. One of its less popular benefits is varicose veins preventions. Various yoga poses relieve muscle strain and reduces some pressure from your lower body. Furthermore, yoga triggers the release of hormones that may contribute to reducing inflammation and stress.

Start with simple yoga poses to condition your body. If you’re uncertain what to do next, work with a yoga instructor.

Is Exercise Enough to Relieve Symptoms?

Exercise may relieve pain from varicose veins. However, you cannot rely on physical activity to resolve all the symptoms. It’s important to know that varicosities can still develop despite a regular workout. If the varicose veins have become painful and unsightly, seek help from the Elite Vein Clinic.

Varicose veins must be treated by a licensed vascular center with extensive experience, modern technology, and a range of comprehensive services. Thankfully, most treatments are minimally invasive, require short downtime, and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

Schedule your appointment with a vascular specialist once the varicose veins become particularly uncomfortable. Tell the vein doctor if you have a history of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, or diabetes. You must also reveal if you’re taking any medication or supplement.

Exercise may relieve pain from varicose veins. However, you cannot rely on physical activity to resolve all the symptoms.

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Is Exercise Really Effective Against Varicose Veins?

While exercise is highly-encouraged to improve blood circulation, there’s no guarantee that it can prevent varicose veins. Physical activity can only reduce the risk by increasing blood flow. Additionally, an active lifestyle can help you stay within a healthy weight, which is necessary for preventing vascular diseases.

People with varicose veins should not substitute any treatment prescribed by a vein doctor with exercise. Always stick to the instructions of your healthcare provider.

Is Exercise Safe for Everyone?

Most types of exercise are beneficial. But people with existing health problems must consult their doctors first before undertaking any regimen.

If you have any vacillation about your current health, the best thing to do is to see a professional healthcare provider. Those in good health should be watchful on how their body would react to the exercise.