The vein system in the human body uses valves to control blood flow to the heart. When these valve malfunction, you can end up with varicose veins. Adding leg weights to your workout routine increases the resistance to improve the strength of the muscles. Many things can interfere with blood flow to the legs and varicose veins can be a sign of poor circulation. If you have painful varicose veins, see your doctor for advice.
Blood Flow in the Legs
The body has two systems to transport blood, arteries and veins. Arteries move oxygenated blood with the help of muscle tissue. Veins work differently. They do not have muscle fiber built into the walls. Veins rely on the muscles in the legs to transport blood upward against gravity. Inside the veins is a series of one-way valves. As leg muscles contract, the valves open to enable blood to move up towards the heart. Legs weights should not interfere with this process.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins occur when the values stop functioning. The muscles push the blood from one valve to the next. When one fails to close properly, blood backs up and puts pressure on the vein. If the vein is close to the surface, it becomes visible. What you are seeing is a vein engorged with blood because the valve didn't close or open properly. Varicose veins are a sign that the circulation in the legs is not perfect. Leg weights are positioned around the ankles, below where you would get varicose veins. There is no indication that wearing leg weights will lead to varicose veins.
Wearing Leg Weights
When you move, your legs must fight against the forces of gravity to carry your body weight. Adding weight around the ankles increases the resistance. In other words, the leg muscles must move more weight and work harder. Even though your legs are carrying more weight, this should not affect the work of the veins.
Considerations
One varicose vein is not significant, however, multiple sites may be a symptom. If the leg swells or the veins become painful, see your doctor. Poor circulation in the legs can cause other medical problems. When you wear leg weights, you should feel no numbness in the feet. This would indicate the weights are too tight and restricting blood flow. Varicose vein occur naturally as you grow older and they tend to run in families. If your mother has them, you may also. Wearing leg weights is not going to change that fact.
