Varicose veins are something that nobody wants to have. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they are also unflattering and can make wearing shorts in public embarrassing. Those who want to prevent varicose veins from popping up sometimes believe that certain exercises must be avoided. However, this is not the case, since many exercises can actually help to prevent varicose veins. Here are five things to know about varicose veins and exercise:

  1. Running and Walking Doesn't Cause Varicose Veins: A common belief is that running and walking can cause varicose veins. This, however, is a myth. The reason people believe this is because when trying to lose weight or when it comes to over exercising, the veins begin to develop more prominently. However, just because the veins become more prominent does not mean that they are varicose veins. The veins only become more prominent because blood flow in the body is increased. 
  2. Leg Exercises are Good for Blood Flow: Any type of leg exercise that you do helps with blood flow, which helps to prevent varicose veins from developing. This is because varicose veins are caused by restricted blood flow, which is common in the legs because they are further from the heart and must work harder against gravity. If blood flow is low, blood flow from the legs to the heart can become more and more challenging over time.
  3. Yoga Helps Prevent Varicose Veins: Yoga is a form of exercise that also helps to promote increased blood flow, but with a lower-impact workout. If you want to help blood flow, but don't want to participate in any high-impact workouts, then yoga is definitely something to consider.
  4. Exercise Can't Reverse Varicose Veins: Unfortunately, varicose veins are hereditary in most cases. And once they are developed, exercise is not going to help reverse them. However, you can use exercise before they develop to help prevent it from happening at all. 
  5. Stretch Often: If you work a job that requires you to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time, it is best to walk and stretch every now and then to help with blood flow. This prevents it from becoming restricted in prolonged positions. 

Knowing some things about exercise and varicose veins, you can better understand how you can use exercise to prevent varicose veins from developing. This is especially helpful if you have family members with varicose veins since they are hereditary, meaning that you are at a higher risk for developing them yourself. For more information on varicose veins, visit a website like http://veinvarices.com.

Share