Can Running Cause Varicose Veins?

If you have varicose veins, you may be familiar with symptoms like aching and fatigue that tend to be more common with physical activity. And that might lead you to believe that being more physically active and engaging in activities like running and jogging is bad for your veins or causes varicose veins to become worse over time. But the fact is, in most cases, you’d be wrong. Running and other aerobic activity like walking and swimming can actually be good for your veins and may even prevent new varicose veins from forming, and that means adding these activities to your own physical routine could be just what the vein doctor ordered.

Varicose Veins and Running: What You Should Know

Varicose veins form when the tiny valves inside your veins stop functioning properly, allowing your blood to “slow down” and collect behind the valves. Over time, this increased pressure behind the valves causes the vessel walls to weaken and bulge, and it also causes the valves to fail. Being physically inactive is a main contributing factor to varicose veins and other circulatory disorders and diseases because when you’re still, your blood flow automatically slows down, increasing the risk of pressure buildup inside your veins. Running and other aerobic activity keeps your blood moving more quickly, and that means it can help prevent blood from collecting behind those tiny valves, decreasing your risk of valve malfunction and vein disorders. Plus, being more physically active helps you maintain a healthier weight, which can also decrease pressure on the veins in your legs and feet.

Running With Varicose Veins

If you have varicose veins already, you may be familiar with the discomfort they can cause, including aching, stinging and burning sensations, and you also may have experienced fatigue and tiredness in your legs, especially when running. But just because you experience those symptoms — as unpleasant as they may be — that doesn’t mean you need to give up running. Many athletes who suffer from varicose veins are able to continue with their running routine without those painful symptoms. At Vein911, we offer athlete vein treatment tailored to the special needs of athletes of all levels to help them enjoy their activities without pain and other symptoms. The key is to seek treatment for your symptoms early.

Our vein treatment program starts with an evaluation of your symptoms as well as your blood vessels to look for signs of circulation problems. Since varicose veins can develop deep below the skin surface, they can be difficult to see, especially if you have well-developed muscles. At our practice, we use advanced technology to look for varicose veins and other circulation problems so your treatment can be tailored specifically for your needs.

The Bottom Line

While running and other aerobic activity can help prevent varicose veins, it’s still important to have your veins evaluated to ensure your circulatory system stays in top shape, especially as you get older. In addition to providing you with state-of-the-art treatment options for varicose veins and other circulation issues, Vein911 also offers lifestyle guidance to help athletes of all levels stay active and healthy so they can keep participating in the sports and activities they love. To learn more about athlete vein treatment or to schedule a vein evaluation, call Vein911 at 855-396-9111 today.