Venous insufficiency, which is caused by damage or dysfunction in one or more of your deeper leg veins, results in blood pooling in place rather than returning to the heart. The condition is worsened by standing or sitting for prolonged periods. In most cases, regular exercise such as that provided by bicycling is a significant part of treatment. The answer to the question of whether bike riding is beneficial for venous insufficiency is "yes," in most cases. Consult your doctor before starting a bicycling regimen for venous insufficiency.
Features
Valves in veins serve to keep blood flowing back toward the heart, preventing it from collecting in one place. Venous insufficiency results from damaged or missing valves. Aging, which causes veins to lose elasticity, pregnancy, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle make venous insufficiency more likely. Genetics also play a role. Symptoms include aching or throbbing in the legs, sometimes accompanied by tingling, itching, burning, and leg fatigue or sensations of heaviness. Legs also can swell and become visibly puffy. Symptoms are improved by elevating your legs, while standing worsens them. Venous insufficiency is often accompanied by varicose veins. In more serious forms of venous insufficiency, painful ulcers may appear on legs and ankles. See your doctor if you begin to develop a leg ulcer. MayoClinic.com. warns that you should seek emergency treatment for sudden, pronounced leg swelling, which might indicate a blood clot, or thrombophlebitis.
Treatment and Prevention
Venous insufficiency and varicose veins can be treated with compression stockings, which help reduce swelling. Ulcers can be treated with medicated wraps. In severe cases, laser or endoscopic surgery may be performed. To prevent venous insufficiency from worsening, keep your legs moving when you have to sit, even if it is just to shift your weight, cross and uncross your legs, or take a few steps in place. Keeping legs elevated above the heart when you are lying down, shedding excess pounds, and quitting smoking are also helpful.
Exercise
Along with swimming, walking and stair climbing, bicycling is highly recommended. Not only does it stimulate venous blood flow by activating the calf pump muscles, but bicycling can also reduce physical and emotional stress. Biking can also help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, an important factor in alleviating venous insufficiency. To get the full benefits of bike riding, many fitness experts advise riding between 30 minutes and an hour most days of the week.
Precautions
Check with your doctor before starting a bicycling regimen for venous insufficiency, and to stop the activity if it is not tolerated. According to the website Veins 1, strenuous activity can cause pain and swelling in advanced cases. Stop immediately if the symptoms appear with bike riding, Wearing a safety helmet can reduce risk of injury. When bicycling after dark, your bike should be outfitted with a headlight and reflectors. Wearing fluorescent colors -- accented with reflective tape -- can help make you more visible. Drink water or sports drinks before biking to endure proper hydration.
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