A NJ Vein Center Presents the Runner’s Guide to Varicose Veins

If you run regularly, you are likely aware of the many health benefits that staying active can provide. Running helps build bone strength, improves your cardiovascular fitness, strengthens your muscles, and assists in maintaining a healthy weight. But did you know that running can also have an impact on your vein health? Dr. Lowell S. Kabnick explains what runners need to know about varicose veins below.

Are runners more likely to have varicose veins?

Some of the patients we treat at our Spider Vein Treatment In Nj are regular runners. When they come to us to diagnose and treat their varicose veins, they often ask if running has contributed to their condition. We are always happy to respond that not only does running not contribute to varicose veins, it can also be a way to help keep vein disease from growing worse. We do caution regular runners that the impact of running on a hard surface can cause the veins to swell, which may lead to worsened symptoms. However, properly fitting running shoes that provide adequate support can eliminate this issue.

Knowing that running can help address vein disease symptoms does bring up an interesting question: why would a runner need varicose vein treatment in NJ in the first place? While regular exercise is a great way to lower your risk of vein disease, activity levels are not the only factor that influences a person’s chance of circulation issues. Age is a big risk factor for vein disease: the older you are, the more likely you are to experience varicose veins. Gender also plays a role: women are more likely to experience varicose veins than men. Finally, there is a link between a person’s family history and his or her vein disease risk. If an older relative suffered from varicose veins, it is more likely that you will experience them as well.

Keeping up with a running routine

Varicose veins can be discouraging, particularly if you are trying to maintain your regular exercise routine. Their unsightly appearance might leave you wanting to cover up or simply stay home altogether. They might also be accompanied by uncomfortable swelling that can leave you more interested in putting your legs up on the couch than hitting the pavement. However, now more than ever it is vitally important that you keep up with whatever running routine you have created for yourself.

Your heart pumps oxygenated blood throughout your body. Similarly, the muscles, veins, and valves in your calves and feet push blood back to your heart. If your legs are still, this pumping mechanism is not at play. However, if you take time for a daily run, you give your muscles the activity they need to push blood out of your legs. While this is unlikely to get rid of your varicose veins (you will need vein and laser surgery in NJ for that), it can help slow down the disease’s progression and keep you feeling more comfortable.

Running is an incredibly beneficial activity for both your vascular system and your overall health. It is also a useful tool in managing the symptoms and the progression of vein disease. However, exercise alone cannot protect you from some of the more serious complications associated with circulation issues. You will need Dr. Kabnick’s or another qualified NYC vein doctor’s help to restore your veins to their previous health. Give our office a call at 973-685-4101 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kabnick and to learn more about the impact that running can have on your veins.

Author Bio: The writer is an expert in the field of Spider & vein treatments specialist in varicose vein treatment in NJ and Spider Vein Treatment In Nj.

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