How to do fitness with varicose veins and not harm the body

How to do fitness with varicose veins and not to harm the body

The disease is not a reason to refuse to train. But it is important to choose the right equipment.

Swelling, heaviness in the legs, painful sensations during exercise – all this can be signs of varicose veins. Is it possible to continue exercising in such a case or should you stop training? How to make them safer and not to aggravate the situation? Let’s find out together with vascular surgeon of the European Medical Center, phlebologist, candidate of medical sciences Dmitry Averyanov.

Is it possible to engage in fitness with varicose veins?

In general, fitness with varicose veins is even useful. Physical exercise facilitates the course of the disease. Running, walking, walking in the evenings have a positive effect on the body.

If you feel heaviness in the legs, see darkening of the skin near the veins and other symptoms of varicose veins, before you start exercising, be sure to consult a doctor.

Phlebologist will examine the veins and determine the extent of damage. And with the conclusion from the doctor, the trainer will be able to make a suitable training program.

What safety precautions should be observed in case of varicose veins?

The main thing is to take precautions and avoid traumatizing varicose veins. The expert advises the use of compression knitwear, which is underwear that wraps around the legs with a certain pressure to prevent the vessels from dilating. For training, the doctor recommends using knee-length socks: there are special models just for sports.

The degree of pressure, compression, is divided into classes. For example, if the patient is healthy, he is recommended the first class of compression, and in varicose veins it must be determined by a phlebologist – depending on the stage of the disease.

It is not recommended to choose compression clothing yourself: improperly selected underwear will either be useless, or will severely squeeze the legs, worsening blood circulation.

Are there contraindications to sports with varicose veins?

Contraindications are factors that can cause trauma to varicose veins or lower limbs. Since this can lead to the development of a serious complication – thrombosis.

Therefore, the phlebologist does not recommend:

• be fond of lifting weights: lifting weights, squats with weights, exercises on vertical leg exercisers – these exercises will negatively affect the weakened vessels;
• go to the sauna or sauna after exercise: when the body temperature rises, the affected veins expand even more, and the speed of blood flow decreases.

With varicose veins before training is especially important warming up. This will reduce the risk of injury, the muscles will be warmed up and ready for the load. And the exercises themselves should be performed slowly and measured, without sudden movements.