What Type Of Exercise Do You Recommend For People With Varicosity Problems?

Varicosity, or varicosis, refers to the condition of having varicose veins --- enlarged, twisting veins most often occurring in the legs and feet. Varicose veins are often unsightly and can lead to health complications; you may experience pain from varicose veins. In some cases, varicose veins lead to ulcers in your skin or blood clots. Exercise may reduce discomfort associated with varicose veins, as well as prevent varicose vein development. Consult your doctor if you suspect a serious problem or have an underlying condition such as cancer, heart problems or a history of blood clots.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for varicose veins include age, gender, family history, obesity and standing or sitting still for long periods of time. Though you cannot change your age, gender or family history, you can reduce the other risk factors through exercise. Exercise promotes weight loss and prevents obesity; it also improves circulation and breaks up long periods of standing or sitting. Schedule moderate-intensity exercise several times a week and learn therapeutic movements to improve varicosity problems.

Weight Loss

Shed extra pounds to reduce the pressure on your veins and prevent varicosity difficulties. The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. Exercise burns calories, so, coupled with a healthy diet, can help you lose weight. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that adults get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week, as well as do muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.

Improve Circulation

Exercise reduces varicose vein discomfort and prevents future problems by improving circulation, MayoClinic.com explains. In general, sitting or standing still for long periods, whether on a plane, at your work or on the couch, leads to circulatory problems. Take breaks from sitting and standing to do simple movements and stretches. Practice ankle circles, foot lifts, knee lifts, shoulder rolls, arm bends, neck rolls and forward bends to get circulation moving.

Your Plan

Make a plan to improve circulation and follow it. Break up periods of standing and sitting by doing a few stretches every 15 to 30 minutes. In addition to these smaller movements, schedule aerobic activity several times a week. Good activities include walking, jogging, swimming or cycling. Alternatively, sign up for a group fitness class through your community recreation program or at your local gym. Add muscle-strengthening activities such as weight training, kettle bells or yoga classes twice a week.