Varicose veins condition can develop in healthy people and even in athletes who undertake rigorous exercises per day in their life. Basically, the risk factors of varicose veins include hormonal changes in body that lead to relaxing of the vein valves beyond the normal limits; like in pregnancy. However, hereditary factors and prolonged sitting or standing routines can also be the underlying reasons for the development of this condition. While general exercising is considered good to control varicose veins problem, often people with this condition feel confused as what are the suitable exercises that need to be taken up and how & for what duration these need to be done. Varicose veins specialist surgeon in Pune considers that the concerns are not unfounded and certain precautions are required to prevent the deterioration of the condition further. It is important to note that some exercises are better while others could deliver adverse impacts on varicose veins.

Here are some DOs and DON’Ts regarding ‘exercising’ with varicose veins –

Walking

Leading varicose veins specialist surgeon in Pune considers walking good for more than one reason. For people with varicose veins, walking can be the better choice among different exercises. Walking offers the low intensity workout through which the calf muscles are worked gently and it results into proper blood flow in them. There is gradual adaptation if the person undertakes 30 minutes of walking per day. This gradual conditioning of calf muscles lead to good health of veins including the valves in them; thus preventing the progression of the disease.

Stationary and elliptical bikes

Stationary bikes are designed with smooth functions that allow mild to moderate exercising by anyone. People with varicose veins can undertake small duration pedaling on it on alternate days to keep their calf muscles and the veins healthy. It is better than outdoor cycling that puts more strain on the muscles and which may cause further damage.

Running

Running is the exercise that almost crosses the threshold that is defined by the stationary bike; and hence generally not recommended for people with varicose veins problems. Running overexerts the calf muscles and the veins also. While the venous return is increased, the anti gravity effect also adds up to put strain on the veins and valves. Specialist offering varicose vein treatment in Pune says that this could lead to worsening of the varicose veins condition and hence not recommended!

Hard core and strenuous exercising

In pursuance of the above recommendation against running, the strenuous exercises are also off the list for people with varicose veins. Exercises such as weightlifting put high pressure on the calf muscles and then veins and valves are overburdened with the venous return. This definitely worsens the condition and not recommended.

Non strenuous exercise to be avoided

Some exercises or postures which may look cool and soft can also worsen the varicose veins problem. These include prolonged sitting like in yogic positions, excess and fast sit ups and crunches. These also put pressure on calf muscles and develop strain in them. Karishma Clinic that offers effective varicose vein treatment in Pune counsels to avoid these!