Can Running Impact Varicose Veins?

By Author: Monica Quinn
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Varicose veins are a prevalent ailment, particularly in the legs. While exercise is sometimes recommended to keep varicose veins at bay or to prevent them from worsening, some types of exercise may cause more damage than good.

Running and other high-impact exercises might aggravate varicose veins in certain persons.

Here's a closer look at how running affects varicose veins and some alternative exercises to try.

Can running cause varicose veins?
There isn't enough scientific data yet to demonstrate that running causes varicose veins.

Some experts believe that high-impact physical exercise, such as jogging, can aggravate existing varicose veins or increase the likelihood of developing new ones.

However, this does not imply that running will cause varicose veins in everyone. Running, on the other hand, may have a greater influence on persons who are predisposed to varicose veins due to genetics or prior vein injury.

If you are doubtful, limit or avoid running if you have a higher risk of getting varicose veins. Sticking to low-impact exercises will allow you to receive the advantages ...
... of exercise without placing additional strain on your legs.

Can it make existing ones worse?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, vigorous physical activity may aggravate varicose veins.

Any high-impact sport or exercise that increases pressure may aggravate pre-existing varicose veins.

Remember that high-impact activity isn't the only thing that might aggravate varicose veins. Other factors that influence the severity of varicose veins include:
- genetics
- age
- having overweight or obesity
- vascular diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis
- standing or sitting for long periods

If you're unsure whether running is right for you, listen to your body. If you have pain or discomfort when running, try a lower-impact activity. Consider wearing compression socks, which some individuals find useful, particularly while exercising.

Can exercise be helpful for varicose veins?
You should also know that exercise is still an excellent way to manage and prevent varicose veins. Regular exercising can:
- reduce inflammation
- boost blood flow
- help you maintain a moderate body weight

All of the above may improve vein health.

To avoid problems, it's advisable to stick to lower-impact workouts like:
- aerobics
- walking
- dancing
- cycling
- pilates
- yoga
- swimming

If you are not sure where to start, walking is one of the greatest workouts to avoid varicose veins because it is a low-impact exercise that increases blood flow.

Moving around as much as possible, even if you don't have a regular workout program, can be good. Simply getting up every hour or so to stretch or stroll around the home will increase blood flow.

Tips for exercising with varicose veins
Running may not be the best option for those with varicose veins, but exercise is still beneficial.

To make exercising with varicose veins more pleasant, try:
- staying hydrated as you exercise
- sticking to low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming
- wearing compression socks
- wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
- elevating your legs after exercising

These treatments can improve blood flow and alleviate varicose vein irritation.

Regular exercise and avoiding excessive weight gain will reduce the probability of varicose veins deteriorating. Although it is unclear to what extent compression socks assist, their objective is to facilitate and expedite blood flow out of the leg.

The bottom line
Regular exercise can help you manage and avoid varicose veins.

But high-impact physical exercise, such as running, may worsen existing varicose veins or increase the probability of developing new ones.

Not necessarily running will induce varicose veins in everyone. On the other hand, it may have a higher impact on people who are genetically prone to varicose veins or have had prior vein injury.

If you have varicose veins and find running difficult, try a lower-impact workout like walking or swimming instead. And don’t forget to consult with a varicose veins specialist before making any crucial changes in your exercise routine.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)