If weightlifting is part of your workout regimen, then the question of whether lifting weights contributes to varicose veins may have crossed your mind. When you lift weights or perform resistance training, you may notice your veins do bulge, but can this contribute to long term unsightly veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are visible on the skin. They typically line the legs and appear blue, bulging, or rope-like. Veins are responsible for carrying blood back to the heart to be re-oxygenated, but if veins become weak or damaged, the blood begins to pool in the legs. This makes the appearance of veins more pronounced.
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The most common cause of varicose veins is genetics. Look to your family to see if they have varicose veins. That can lend some insight into whether you’ll get them. Hormonal changes such as menopause, aging, history of venous blood clots, and obesity can also lead to the problem.
This brings us back to the original question of whether weightlifting contributes to varicose veins. The short answer is no. On the contrary, weightlifting and exercise helps improve blood circulation, which lowers the risk of blood pooling in the legs.
On the other hand, if you are into lifting very heavy weights and are performing this frequently, then it can up your risk of damaging your veins, which would contribute to varicose veins. Therefore, if varicose veins are a concern for you, then opt for a reasonable amount of weight to lift. Using compression socks and proper form can help reduce your risk of any vein issues when lifting.
While lifting, you may notice that your veins are visible. This is because there is more blood to the area that your veins have to push back to your heart, so this is often temporary and nothing to be concerned about.
All-in-all, you do not need to avoid weights in fear of varicose veins.
Also read:
- Healthy veins: Natural ways to avoid venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins natural treatment: How to get rid of spider veins naturally
- 6 dangers of not treating varicose veins
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
