Varicose veins are more known as an aesthetic problem than a health problem, but this is a mistake. Although varicose veins appear primarily on the legs and “ruin” their appearance, these inflamed veins are a sign or a call for the attention of our body that we must attend to.
Varicose veins occur due to the dilation of the veins that are not correctly carrying out their function of transporting blood back to the heart, causing it to accumulate in them, inflame them and begin the appearance of the varicose vein. That is, they are a sign of a circulatory problem. If you want to prevent or improve the appearance of these tortuous green lines, in this FastlyHealarticle, you will learn what exercises to do if you have varicose veins.
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Causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins, also known as peripheral venous insufficiency, are estimated to be present in 15% of the population. Those that manifest in the legs are more common. Varicose veins can also develop in other parts of the body: in the esophagus / esophageal varices), in the anus (hemorrhoids), and the testicles (varicocele). The causes of varicose veins can be many, but the most frequent are:
- Genetics. It is proven that varicose veins in the family make a person more prone to suffer from peripheral venous insufficiency.
- Constitutional predisposition. It occurs when there is a weakness in all the connective tissue, which causes the walls of the veins to lose firmness, and varicose veins appear.
- Age. The passage of time brings, in most cases, circulation problems, and varicose veins are one of them.
- Sex Women are more likely than men to suffer from varicose veins.
- Oral contraceptives. This medication causes fluid retention, generating more blood flow in the veins.
- Pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, many women develop varicose veins during pregnancy.
- Obesity. Overweight people have a doubled risk of suffering from varicose veins because weight gain increases the amount of blood that arrives and must be evacuated.
- Constipation. This condition suggests more prolonged and more painful bowel movements that require straining. Both factors stimulate the appearance of varicose veins, as it increases the pressure in the abdomen, which increases the abdominal veins and makes it difficult for the blood to enter and leave the leg veins.
- Lack of exercise. The lack of mobility of the muscles prevents them from helping to return blood to the heart.
- Work. Sitting for a long time stimulates the appearance of varicose veins, so it is advisable to take breaks in the office.
Do exercises help to eliminate varicose veins?
Sports and exercises, in general, are perfect for varicose veins since they stimulate the mobility of the muscles, and these help it be easier to return the blood to the heart. If you suffer from varicose veins, aerobic exercises are the best way to stimulate the circulation of the veins and will help you prevent the appearance of new varicose veins in the legs.
However, doing exercises for varicose veins is not a magic activity. It will undoubtedly improve the circulatory problem and significantly alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, such as pain, tingling, cramps, and the sensation of heat and swelling. Still, some Sometimes it is necessary to treat this condition with unique treatments that only a medical specialist can carry out.
Zumba, spinning, baile
If you wonder what exercises to do if you have varicose veins, you should know that aerobic sports are the best option since they powerfully stimulate circulation and put the muscles of most of the body in motion. When deciding to dance, bike, or do Zumba, you should know that to see the result. You must be constant and perform at least half an hour of exercise 5 times a week.
El aquagym
Aquagym is one of the best exercises you can do if you have varicose veins. It is a complete practice that sets the whole body in motion, helping to strengthen the muscles. But also, the fact that this exercise is practiced in water benefits even more people who have varicose veins since it stimulates circulation much better. Getting an indoor and acclimatized pool or joining a gym with a collection are ideal alternatives to practice this sport all year round if you decide to go for this exercise for varicose veins.
The swimming
It offers the same benefits as aquagym, but it is a little more robust since it does not suggest exercises and stretching movements in the water. Still, strokes focused on swimming in as many pools as possible with different styles. However, for varicose veins, the most recommended technique is stroke. The legs have the most significant movement force to make the body slide more quickly, which without sweating, mainly benefits the circulation of the thighs.
To walk
Walking is one of the most recommended exercises for cardiovascular health. Since varicose veins are a circulatory problem, this activity could not be missing from the list of exercises you can do if you have varicose veins. However, when temperatures are higher, it is advisable to walk early in the morning when it is not so hot since hot weather worsens the symptoms of varicose veins. Be consistent and walk for at least half an hour every day to see results.
Cycling
Any sport that puts the legs in motion is effective for varicose veins, and of course, cycling is not going to be. This exercise sets your legs in action to see the results in less time. Of course, you should do cycling and avoid cycling through the city, that is, the sport should suggest an effort. Another alternative is to opt for an exercise bike that you can have at home or find in a gym, which will facilitate exercise for varicose veins during the summer.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What exercises to do if I have varicose veins, we recommend that you enter our Blood, heart, and circulation category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.