Athletes and Varicose Veins

Originally posted August 2020 in Healthy Cells Magazine

Many people mistakenly believe that varicose veins are only a condition of the elderly, especially elderly women. So men and women who are in good shape are surprised when they see bulging veins on their legs. Sometimes they believe that physical training is causing the problem. In reality, the number one reason for varicose veins among athletes, as with other people, is heredity. If one parent has varicose vein disease, you have approximately one in three chance of developing it. But, if both parents have it your odds jump to a nine in ten chance.

Exercise has no impact on risk factors. It neither prevents nor causes vein disease. It can improve your symptoms however. For athletes and others vein disease can be cosmetic or can cause symptoms or can be a combination of both. Many athletes experience pain about 30 to 45 minutes after a training session or athletic activity. The affected leg may ache, throb or feel more tired than unaffected leg. Sitting with your leg elevated will reduce the discomfort. 

During exercise your muscles need more oxygen. When you are at rest your calf muscles are not pumping blood efficiently. If your veins are not working properly, some blood pools in your lower leg, causing the symptoms listed above. Some athletes find wearing a compression stocking or sleeve after exercise aids in their recovery.

Untreated varicose veins will not get better and they can be a health risk if complications such as infection or blood clots develop. Active people do not want treatment that requires a long recovery or disrupts their exercise. Fortunately, today’s minimally invasive treatments allow people to return to their normal activities almost immediately.

If you think you might have varicose veins, call 309-862-4000 to schedule a FREE SCREENING EXAM with one of their physicians or request an appointment online at www.ILveins.com .  They have convenient locations at 3302 Gerig Drive in Bloomington and 2011 Rock Street, Suite D2 in Peru.