Varicose veins are unattractive, uncomfortable and unfortunately, not uncommon. These bulging veins are typically the result of an underlying vein condition known as venous insufficiency. The good news? Venous insufficiency can be effectively managed by something as simple as getting out and walking every day. Check out these four reasons why your veins love walking workouts.
Help from the Calf Muscles
Walking is an excellent way to give the calf muscles a workout, which in turn promotes healthy circulation in the lower leg. The veins in the lower leg have to work that much harder to move blood against gravity and the body’s own weight to move blood to the heart. Assistance from the calf muscles helps preserve the vessels so they are less likely to wear out or become damaged over time, which often leads to vein swelling and varicosities.
Reduce Painful Symptoms
Varicose veins can be accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, swelling and cramping of the lower legs. Walking can help to reduce these symptoms. Many sufferers find that daily walks helps to alleviate pain and fatigue, making it easier for them to participate in other activities throughout the day.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
A daily walking workout will also help to keep your weight in check. Maintaining a healthy weight offers a host of benefits for your body, including less strain on your lower leg veins. Less strain means less risk of damage to the vessels that can lead to the formation of varicose veins.
Easy, Convenient and Fun
Walking is a relatively easy way to get your daily workout, since it doesn’t require a lot of special equipment and can be done just about any time and place. Walking can be modified to your specific fitness level, making it an equally good workout for beginners and advanced workout gurus. You can choose to walk with music, your dog or a friend, making your daily exercise program much more enjoyable as well.
At the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we strongly encourage all of our patients to take advantage of the temperate Southern climate and enjoy regular walking workouts. However, if your varicose veins are getting in the way of those workouts due to discomfort and fatigue, our staff can help. We offer a variety of minimally-invasive vein treatments that eliminate both the unsightly vessels and their uncomfortable symptoms. To learn more, contact the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin at 800-910-8346.