Working Out For Healthy Veins

Varicose Veins–-or painful veins in the legs with a bulging appearance–affects about 35 percent of all Americans, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. 

Even more important than what are varicose veins, is what can be done to prevent them.

Exercise can be a great weapon against varicose veins and other venous diseases, along with following a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

“Daily exercise has proven to have significant positive effects on vascular health by keeping the blood flowing,” says VeinSolutions’ board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Apple. 

If you don’t have a regular fitness routine or leaned into a new sport or fun activity, now is as good a time as any, to start.

The CDC recommends getting 150 minutes of exercise (at a moderate or intense level) per week for those ages 18-64 years old. 

Some easy, moderate to intense activities — that you probably already do — recommended by the Society for Vascular Surgery include: 

• Brisk walking
• Biking
• Water aerobics or swimming laps
• Ballroom dancing, or any fast-paced dancing
• Playing tennis
• Mowing the lawn or raking
• Sweeping or vacuuming 

Additional tips to help keep you moving and your vascular health in check are to:

• Work out with a family member or friend (while remembering to keep your social distance)
• Do something that you enjoy 
• Use a fitness tracker to monitor your activity

If you already do suffer from varicose veins, regular exercise can help reduce painful symptoms and swelling. 

To learn about treatment options for varicose veins or to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists at VeinSolutions in Austin, please contact us at 512.452.VEIN (8346). For VeinSolutions in Georgetown, please contact us at 512-501-4287 to schedule an appointment. 

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