Getting regular exercise can be one of the most effective ways to deal with varicose veins because it improves their strength and functioning. Exercise that stretches the legs and calves is especially beneficial.
Fun New York Activities That Help Varicose Veins
Living in or near Manhattan provides plenty of opportunity for exercise. We list just a handful of them below.
Hike in Northern NY
Northern New York has dozens of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. You can click here to look up a trail near you.
Walking
Aim for a brisk 30-minute walk each day to strengthen your leg muscles and take in fresh air and sunshine. Regular walking can potentially reduce the appearance of existing varicose veins and prevent new ones from developing.
Swimming
Swimming helps to improve circulation in your veins and heart. If you have joint pain or injuries, swimming is ideal because you do not put pressure on any part of your body while in the water.
Biking
Riding a bike helps to strengthen muscles in the buttocks and calves, which in turn increases blood circulation in the upper and lower legs.
Yoga
Engaging in yoga can improve flexibility, muscle strength, and circulation to help relieve the discomfort associated with varicose veins. Incorporating at least one of each of these exercises into your daily routine can go a long way towards managing varicose vein symptoms.
Exercises That Harm Varicose Veins
Certain types of exercise can make the swelling, itching, and general discomfort of varicose veins worse. We highlight two exercises to avoid below.
Weightlifting:
Doctors recommend that people with varicose veins avoid weightlifting since straining and lack of oxygen intake forces blood from the legs into the abdominal cavity with nowhere to go, leading to blood pooling.
Running
Running is a high-impact activity for the legs. When you run on pavement or asphalt, it can be especially problematic for your varicose veins. If you like to run and currently have no symptoms, make sure that you run on a rubber track, grass, or another soft surface.
Does Working Out Get Rid of Varicose Veins?
While exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and improve blood circulation, it does not eliminate them entirely. The main reason for this is that people tend to inherit varicose veins from a parent. You can do other things in addition to exercise to prevent the problem from getting worse such as elevating your legs each day, avoid crossing your legs, and losing weight if you are overweight.
Treatments for Varicose Veins
The treatment of varicose veins has come a long way since the days of vein stripping and ligation. The three procedures listed below are among the most common.
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy uses a mixture of chemicals the consistency of shaving cream to locate and repair damaged veins.
Laser Ablation involves injecting chemicals directly into the veins to cause them to shut and form scar tissue.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a micro-surgery where your doctor makes small incisions near the faulty veins, removes them, and closes the incisions.
Finding Vein Treatment in Manhattan, NY
Schulman Vein and Laser Center invites you to meet our vein physicians in Manhattan, NY when you schedule an appointment to learn more about treatment options.