Does Exercise Help or Hurt Varicose Veins?

Older couple walking outdoors to exercise and prevent varicose veins in Los Angeles, CA If you’re living with varicose veins, you may wonder whether exercising could make things worse or help relieve your symptoms. The truth is that exercise is one of the best things you can do for your vein health when done correctly. The key is knowing which activities promote circulation and which may put unnecessary strain on your veins.

At LA Vein Center, Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon Dr. Larisse K. Lee combines advanced training from Stanford University and her prestigious Vascular Surgery Fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital to provide expert, personalized care for those with varicose veins and other vein conditions. With extensive research and surgical experience, Dr. Lee uses the latest, minimally invasive treatments to help patients improve circulation, reduce symptoms, and restore confidence in their leg health.

How Exercise Helps Varicose Veins

Varicose veins appear when valves in your veins weaken, inhibiting blood from flowing upward toward the heart. Regular movement helps improve circulation, strengthen leg muscles, and reduce venous pressure, all of which support healthier veins. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling, encourage blood flow without overloading the legs.

Even something as simple as a 30-minute walk daily can help prevent blood from pooling in your lower legs, easing swelling, pain, and heaviness. Yoga is another excellent choice since it encourages stretching, flexibility, and leg elevation, which helps blood return to the heart more efficiently.

Exercises to Approach with Caution

While staying active is essential, certain workouts can worsen varicose vein symptoms if you’re not careful. High-impact activities, like running on hard surfaces, heavy weightlifting, or intense aerobic classes, can increase pressure in your leg veins, leading to discomfort or visible swelling.

If you enjoy resistance training, try lighter weights with higher repetitions and focus on maintaining good posture and breathing to reduce strain. Remember to breathe during exertion to avoid temporarily raising venous pressure.

Tips for Exercising Safely with Varicose Veins

  • Warm up and cool down to support blood flow.
  • Wear compression stockings both during and after exercise to assist circulation.
  • Elevate your legs after workouts to reduce swelling.
  • Stay hydrated to promote healthy blood flow and vein function.

Keep Legs Healthy with Advanced Varicose Vein Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

Exercise doesn’t harm varicose veins; it helps manage and prevent them when approached thoughtfully. By choosing low-impact, vein-friendly activities and maintaining a consistent routine, you can strengthen your legs, improve circulation, and feel more confident about your vein health. Want to explore varicose vein treatment options? Call us today at 818-325-0400 to schedule a consultation.

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WHAT HAPPENS IN A CONSULTATION?

01.  Get to know Dr. Lee

02.  Help her understand you and your goals.

03.  Learn about our services and specialties.

“I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Lee, and will definitely recommend her and will be going back. She thoroughly explained the procedure and answered all my questions before starting my treatment. Her office is immaculate and her staff is very friendly.”

– M.P. Los Angeles, Ca
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