Varicose veins are very unsightly and they can sometimes cause pain. They can be caused from being overweight or from hereditary factors. A big concern is when varicose veins are caused from circulatory problems. If you develop varicose veins, you may want to talk to your doctor concerning the cause of these large and gnarled veins.
Varicose veins can be prevented and even helped by maintaining a healthy weight. Exercises may also help to reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Exercise for varicose veins may be your best prevention and defense against these ugly and sometimes painful veins.
One type of exercise for varicose veins that anyone can do is walking. Try to walk at least thirty minutes a day. Walking will help to improve circulation in the lower body and keep the veins healthy.
Be sure to use a good supportive pair of shoes and begin a walking program slowly. Starting any exercise program quickly can cause injury, strained muscles and discouragement, which only leads to stopping the program. Even walking is an exercise program when the walking is continuous and designed to improve muscular ability and circulatory changes.
Swimming is an excellent exercise for varicose veins. Swimming laps on a regular basis will increase circulation throughout the whole body. Swimming strengthens the entire body and build muscles where needed. Water aerobics or even running in the pool with a vest will help to improve lower extremity circulation.
After exercises or at the end of the day there are other things that you can do to improve drainage from the veins. For instance you can lie flat on the floor and rest your legs on a chair seat or straight up against a wall for at least two minutes. This will elevate the legs higher than the heart and drain the blood from the swollen leg veins. If you find it hard to do this exercise, sit in a recliner and recline the feet up higher than the hips.
Another option is to lie flat on your back and place your arms at your sides or under your buttocks if you prefer. Raise your legs and start pedaling as if you were riding a bicycle. This is a great exercise for varicose veins to increase blood flow and decrease pressure on the veins.
An exercise you can do for varicose veins is to lie flat on your back, on the floor and bring your knee up to your chest. Hold your leg up with your hands by holding behind the knee. Move your foot up and down and rotate it at the ankle. Repeat with the other leg. This will help to improve the circulation in your legs and help prevent varicose veins.
Activities that can increase varicose veins are strenuous activities or standing in one place for long periods. Avoid strenuous exercises such as jogging, high impact aerobics or strenuous cycling. This type of exercise can actually increase the blood pressure in the legs and cause varicose veins to worsen by decreasing the amount of blood that is drained from the veins.
If you must stand for long periods of time, keep shifting your weight from one foot to the other. Bounce up and down on your toes several times an hour to aid in circulation. If possible, take a walk frequently. When you come home from a long day of standing, elevate your feet for at least an hour to help drain the blood from the veins in the legs.
Exercise for varicose veins can prevent these unsightly veins from getting worse. Exercise daily and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Tags: No Comments.

