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 lead to complications. Moreover, with the help of physical fitness, you can improve your well-being and stop the progression of the disease.
With a diagnosis of varicose veins, you will need to train in compression underwear, which fixes and supports the problematic vessels. The attending physician should 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 approach the organization of training correctly, you can do fitness without fear of aggravating the disease.
Symptoms and causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins of the lower limbs are a common condition. It affects about a third of the population over the age of 25. In people with varicose veins, the venous vessels lose their elasticity, grow, change shape and bend. Deformed veins are located mainly on 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 do fitness if varicose veins still cannot be avoided? In fact, physical activity is a good prevention of disease. With their help, you can delay and slow down its development. Prerequisites for the appearance of varicose veins are obesity, poor posture and sedentary work, while physical fitness helps to burn off excess pounds, straighten the back and improve blood circulation in the lower extremities.
Formation of venous vessels: a set of exercises
Therapeutic and preventive gymnastics against varicose veins includes two exercises that are well known to adherents of a healthy lifestyle - "scissors" and "bicycle". They are performed in the supine position. Representing scissors, raise both legs and cross them either in a horizontal plane or in a vertical plane. At the same time, the legs are kept straight, the arms are placed along the body, the breath is not held. To simulate cycling, the arms are placed behind the head, the legs are bent and raised. They make rotational movements with their feet, reminiscent of pedaling a bicycle. During work, the lower back should not come off the ground. "Scissors" and "bicycle" well stimulate the circulation of venous blood and lymph in the lower body.
The next exercise is also performed lying on the floor, but here you need a pillow - the legs are placed on it at an angle of about 20 degrees. One leg is bent at the knee and pulled to the chest, tightly clasping the foot with the palms. Then slowly straighten the leg upwards, while sliding the firmly pressed hands along the calf to the knee joint. All the same, slowly lower the leg down, guiding the palms along the thigh.
Well stimulates vibrogymnastics of venous blood flow. When standing, they rise on their tiptoes, lifting their heels off the floor a little (about a centimeter). Then the heels are sharply lowered, knocking them to the surface of the floor. Do 20-30 reps, rest no more than 10 seconds, and perform 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. At this stage, 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. Treadmill cardio is not recommended.
At the next stage, the tortuous veins enlarge, the legs noticeably swell in the evening, heaviness and aching pain are felt. Patients with similar symptoms should forget about aerobic training with a shock load on the legs (jogging, stepping, jumping). It is recommended to engage in water sports that stimulate blood circulation in 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 significant swelling and darkening of the skin. To increase blood circulation in the legs, you can swim in warm water and take walks, but the exercise should not be strenuous.