Is it possible to do fitness with varicose veins? If you choose the right type and amount of physical activity, training will not harm your health and will not cause complications. Also, with the help of fitness, you can improve your well-being and stop the progression of the disease.
With a diagnosis of varicose veins, you will have to train in compression underwear, which corrects and supports problem vessels. The attending physician must be informed about the upcoming physical activity, and it is desirable to work in the gym under the guidance of a professional instructor. If you properly approach the organization of training, you can do physical conditioning without fear of aggravating the disease.
Symptoms and causes of varicose veins
Lower extremity varicose veins are a common disease. It affects about a third of the population over the age of 25. In people with varicose veins, venous vessels lose elasticity, increase in size, change shape, and bend. The deformed veins are mainly located in the calves and at the back of the knee joint. Experts say that heredity plays an important role in the development of the disease, and it is almost impossible to completely protect yourself from the appearance of varicose veins.
Should I exercise if varicose veins still cannot be prevented? In fact, physical activity is a good prevention of disease. With their help, you can delay and slow down your development. Prerequisites for the appearance of varicose veins are obesity, poor posture and sedentary work, while physical conditioning helps to burn off extra pounds, straighten the back and improve blood flow in the lower extremities.
Training of venous vessels: a set of exercises
Therapeutic and preventive gymnastics against varicose veins includes two exercises well known to fans of a healthy lifestyle - "scissors" and "bicycle". They are performed in the supine position. Representing scissors, lift both legs and cross them in a horizontal or vertical plane. At the same time, the legs are kept straight, the arms are placed along the body, breathing is not maintained. To simulate cycling, the arms are placed behind the head, the legs are bent and raised. They make rotational movements with their feet, resembling pedaling a bicycle. During work, the lower back should not leave the floor. "Scissors" and "Bicycle" well stimulate the flow of venous blood and lymph in the lower part of the body.
The next exercise is also performed lying on the floor, but here you need a pillow - the legs are placed at an angle of about 20 degrees. One leg is bent at the knee and pulled to the chest, firmly squeezing the foot with the palms. Then slowly straighten the leg upwards while sliding the tightly pressed hands along the calf to the knee joint. Even so, slowly lower your leg, bringing your palms along your thigh.
Well vibrogymnastics stimulates venous blood flow. Standing, they stand on tiptoe, slightly lifting their heels off the floor (about a centimeter). Then the heels are lowered sharply, hitting the surface of the floor. Do 20 to 30 repetitions, rest no more than 10 seconds, and take another approach.
Stages of varicose veins and acceptable types of physical activity
At different stages of varicose veins, strictly defined types of physical activity are allowed. The development of varicose veins begins with the appearance of the first nodular venous vessels visible through the skin. In this phase, it is allowed to engage in power simulators with minimization of the load on the legs. It is necessary to perform a good warm-up and stretching. Cardio on the treadmill is not recommended.
In the next stage, the tortuous veins become larger, the legs noticeably swell at night, heaviness and pain are felt in them. Patients with similar symptoms should forget about aerobic training with a shock load on the legs (running, stomping, jumping). It is recommended to practice water sports that stimulate blood flow through the vessels of the limbs, but do not overload them. Useful fitness areas where inverted postures are practiced (yoga, Pilates).
The third stage is characterized by severe swelling and darkening of the skin. To increase blood circulation in the legs, you can swim in warm water and go for walks, but exercise should not be tiring.