Will Varicose Veins Interfere With Keeping An Active Lifestyle?

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a medical condition that occurs when veins become twisted or enlarged. While varicose veins are not considered a serious medical problem, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Below is an overview of how varicose veins can interfere with an active lifestyle and how vein treatments can help.
What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins may occur when the pressure inside the vein increases. Since these veins are typically near the surface of the skin, they look swollen and dark in color. When you sit down or stand up for extended periods of time, blood collects in the veins and causes increased pressure.

Who Is At Risk For Developing Varicose Veins?

Certain people are more likely to develop a problem with varicose veins. Below are some risk factors that increase your chances of having this condition:

• Family History
• Being Overweight
• Leading An Inactive Lifestyle
• Smoking
• Being Pregnant
• Taking Hormone Replacement Therapy Treatments
• Being On Oral Contraceptives

How Do Varicose Veins Affect An Active Lifestyle?

While making exercise part of your daily routine can help prevent the development of varicose veins, certain activities may cause your condition to worsen. Activities that may worsen your varicose veins include:

• Running
• Tennis
• Weight lifting
• Sit-ups
• Squats
• Jumping Rope

Varicose veins may cause you pain, which may keep you from leading the active lifestyle you desire. In addition, your legs and ankles may become swollen from increased veins pressure, making exercise difficult. If you have this condition, try to choose low impact activities that will not aggravate your symptoms. If varicose veins are keeping you from activities you enjoy, consider contacting vein specialists for advice.

What Activities Are Good For Keeping Active With Varicose Veins?

There are some low impact exercises that should not make your varicose veins worsen such as:

• Swimming
• Walking
• Cycling

When beginning a new activity, it is important to stop if your discomfort worsens to rule out more serious medical conditions. Consult a vein specialist for an examination for complications. Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a condition that can occur in people who have varicose veins. DVT is characterized by blood clots that can break loose and travel to other parts of your body, which can be life threatening.

If your varicose veins are keeping you from participating in activities you enjoy, contact the vein specialists at Advanced Vein And Laser Center for help.

During a consultation, these professionals will examine you and let you know which varicose vein treatments will help relieve your symptoms. Taking this step could help you return to the activities in life that you enjoy.