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Exercise for varicose veins

Being overweight can increase the swelling and discomfort of varicose veins. The following exercises can help control weight and may help improve symptoms caused by your varicose veins.

  • Walk to improve blood circulation in the legs. Try to walk 10 to 20 minutes every day.
  • Bicycling and swimming are also recommended for varicose veins. Some doctors say swimming is ideal because, in addition to working your legs, it puts the legs at heart level and avoids the pooling of blood in the legs that comes with varicose veins.
  • Exercise your legs. When you are sitting down, rotate your feet at the ankles in both directions, making small circles. Extend your legs, and point and flex your feet. Bend your legs back and forth at the knees.

High-impact exercises such as running may be uncomfortable for people with varicose veins.

Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David A. Szalay, MD
- Vascular Surgery
Last Updated February 11, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 11, 2008
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