Enlarged Veins
The appearance of enlarged veins during exercise could be a sign of varicose veins where blood pools in the dysfunctional surface veins of the leg. Though varicose veins are a common condition, for people who lead an active lifestyle, swollen and enlarged veins caused by poor blood flow in the legs become a concern. There are good chances that people may skip out on exercises for fear that the already abnormal veins may become much worse. But the fact is that cutting exercise totally out of the lifestyle is not right. Routine exercises in daily life is crucial not only for vein health but also for cardiovascular health and the entire body’s overall health.
So, let varicose veins not get in the way of much-needed daily exercises. The best treatment for varicose veins in Chennai can guide on what exercises will work well with varicose veins and not against them.
Does exercising cause vein issues?
Contrary to beliefs, enlarged veins during exercise have nothing to do with an increase in either blood volume or pressure in these vessels. In fact, stepped-up activity during exercise is known to decrease blood volume and pressure. During exercise, internal diameters of veins and venules narrow in a process called vasoconstriction, forcing the flow of blood forward to the heart thereby facilitating their ability to receive more blood coming from the capillaries. Thus, this process helps decrease the pressure in the venules and veins to promote better circulation and is not the basis for the enlarged veins.
Swelling or bulging of muscles causes cutaneous veins to get pushed and flattened toward the skin surface and makes them appear more prominent and enlarged. In persons with less subcutaneous fat, such veins are more visible. This appearance during exercise may not be bad but it is neither good. Since varicose veins are already distorted, the prominence of enlarged veins may not be a pleasing sight and are a sure sign for varicose veins laser treatment in Chennai. Evidence of pathology does not suggest that exercising causes varicose veins but there are many other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins such as Genetics.
→ Being 50 or more years of age
→ Pregnancy
→ Being a female
→ Obesity
→ Work requirements for prolonged sitting or standing
Exercising with Varicose veins
The pressure and stress on the veins from sitting or standing for too long are detrimental to anyone, especially to those prone to venous disease who are at risk of varicose veins. Even exercises as simple as walking every day can help improve vein health. Exercising proves to be beneficial for those with varicose veins. Vein experts recommend at least 20 to 30 minutes of any of the following physical activities 3 to 4 times a week.
Walking– There are many benefits and no disadvantages to going walking. Walking is a low-impact exercise and especially good for people with varicose veins or at risk of varicose veins because simple movements help strengthen calf muscles and aid in circulation without straining the body. Brisk walking for a minimum of 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week raises the heart rate without any risk and helps burn more calories.
Elliptical- Exercising on an elliptical is another great option for varicose vein legs. These machines offer low-impact exercise and support calf muscles to help with the blood flow through the legs and the body without any additional stress.
Leg exercises– People who cannot work out on equipment or go out for walking can do leg exercises such as bicycle legs, kneeling leg lifts, calf & thigh raises, side leg lifts, ankle rolls, toe pullbacks, and rocking to safely increase the blood flow away from varicose veins. When you have varicose veins, It is important to keep leg muscles strong if veins are already showing a pooling of blood. Strength training exercises that focus on calf muscle groups are particularly helpful for those with varicose veins. These exercises not only target leg muscles that assist with blood circulation but the elevation also helps alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
However, exercising does not prevent the formation of varicose veins or cannot cure varicose veins. Depending on the severity of the vein condition, one may make an informed decision if exercises are enough to keep symptoms under control or consider various options as suitable to varicose veins treatment cost in Chennai.
Exercises that can be a bigger problem for veins
Depending on the severity of varicose veins, one may have to refrain from certain exercises that are strenuous and restrictive in action. Incorrect posture or exercise that increases pressure on the abdomen can restrict the blood flow from the legs to the heart. It can also increase pressure on the veins in the legs, aggravating the symptoms of varicose veins.
High-impact running– A great deal of strain and pressure on the legs by constant pounding on the treadmill or ground can damage not just joints and cartilage, but also cause veins to swell and aggravate varicose veins.
Biking– The posture of being crouched over handlebars for an extended period of time can increase abdominal pressure and reduce the blood flow to the legs.
Weight lifting– Though a recent popular workout that offers great benefits, it can have some major setbacks in people at risk for vein health problems. Weightlifting is a strenuous exercise that puts a lot of stress on veins’ circulation and can even worsen vein issues.
Many forms of exercise can create the appearance of enlarged veins that can become a bigger problem but being mindfully active is the key to successful varicose vein treatment in Chennai.