Leg Exercises

Discomfort due to varicose veins can make the thought of exercising unappealing, but there are specific leg exercises that can alleviate painful symptoms and benefit those with venous disease. Contact us at the Vein Care Center, serving patients in Lima, Celina, Findlay and surrounding counties, to learn more about the importance of exercise in treating and preventing varicose veins. Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal, MHSA, MD, a board-certified and aesthetic-laser-certified family physician, is a leading specialist in providing comprehensive care for venous issues and disorders.

Why Are Leg Exercises Important?

Maintaining an active lifestyle can not only help to alleviate discomfort caused by varicose veins, but also prevent them from reoccurring. Exercise helps to build strength and maintain healthy blood flow. While low-impact activities, such as walking or cycling, are excellent forms of exercise, there are also simple leg exercises that can improve circulation and protect your overall vein health.

Are Leg Exercises Right for Me?

Most exercises are beneficial for your bodily health. However, not all activities are safe for patients suffering from varicose veins. For this reason, it is important to check with your doctor or vein specialist before embarking on any new exercise regimen. At the Vein Care Center, Dr. Aggarwal can examine your condition and determine the most suitable course of treatment for you.

Leg Exercises for Problem Veins

Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Walking and cycling are two of the most beneficial exercises that you can do to prevent varicose veins or alleviate associated discomfort. However, if your lifestyle does not allow for this kind of physical activity, there are also leg exercises you can perform virtually anywhere at any point of the day. These exercises include:

Leg Lifts – These are simple stretches that require no special equipment. Lie flat on your back and lift one leg at a time, holding it in the air for a few seconds before alternating. This activity can help stretch muscles in your legs and improve circulation. Leg lifts can also be completed while standing by holding onto a stable object and extending the legs out in front of you, holding and alternating after a few seconds.
Lunges – Lunges work many muscle groups in your feet and calves. When these muscles are active and strong, they can help keep blood flowing in the right direction and prevent vein issues. Stand with your feet slightly apart and step forward, bending your knee and keeping it directly above your ankle. Hold the lunge position for a few seconds, then straighten and alternate your legs.
Rocking feet – Stretching the muscles in your feet can also improve muscle strength and circulation. Rest your weight on the ball of your feet for a few seconds, then lower the heel. Then, rest your weight on your heel and lift the ball of your foot. You can perform this exercise while sitting or standing, but be sure to hold on to a stable object for balance.
Elevating your legs – Raising your legs can help to relieve aching, throbbing or swelling caused by backed-up blood flow. Leg elevation can be done lying down, on the floor or bed, and involves raising your legs straight up in the air and alternating. You can also prop them up against the wall if this is more comfortable.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins of the leg. An exercise regime that can help to improve this disorder involves:

Warm-up – 10 minutes of easy, light movement to prepare your muscles.
Aerobic exercise – 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise, like walking, cycling or swimming, helps to keep the blood moving and prevent the formation of blood clots. Aerobic exercise should be completed on most days of the week.
Weight training – 10 to 20 minutes of leg-weight training, such as squats or calf raises, completed two to three days of the week, can help to strengthen the leg muscles and improve circulation.
Cool-down – A 5 to 10-minute cool-down involving easy, light movement will help to bring your heart rate down to resting level.
Stretching – Up to 5 minutes of light stretching can help to decrease muscle soreness and increase flexibility. Hold stretches for up to 30 seconds (as tolerated) without moving, maintaining consistent breathing. Stretching should be completed after every workout.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema refers to the swelling that occurs as a result of a blockage in the lymphatic system. Exercise for lymphedema should begin with gentle movement and intensified gradually over time, though this should be supervised by your vein specialist. If you are suffering from Lymphedema, Dr. Aggarwal at the Vein Care Center can work with you to design an exercise plan that includes a combination of the following:

Flexibility and stretching exercises
Strength training
Aerobic exercise

Schedule Your Vein Screening to Maintain Healthier Veins

At the Vein Care Center, we encourage our patients to be proactive about maintaining good health. However, exercise alone may not be sufficient to prevent the appearance of varicose veins or spider veins, nor can these conditions be cured with exercise alone. If you are experiencing discomfort as a result of vein problems, the vein experts at your Vein Care Center in Ohio can help to restore form and function with Ann individualized treatment plan. Contact us at 419 227 4472 to schedule your consultation today.

* The information about leg exercises was reviewed by Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.