Varicose veins

[Sean73]

Hmm, I know, not a nice topic but I have them in one leg so I've been wondering about this running lark and whether it's good or bad for them...any opinions?

[Hidden]

Well I know it depends on personal circumstances but I asked my doctor about mine and they didn't think it was a problem at all. If you're concerned, ask your doc.

[loulou51 Graduate]

Hello. I have bad varicose veins in both legs and poor circulation generally. I have read a lot about running and varicose veins and talked to my doctor about it. The general opinion is that running is good for them as it improves your circulation. With varicose veins you get pools of blood by the valves that don't work properly so when I'm running I imagine the blood being forced around the body more effectively than usual. You just need to make sure that you don't snag the veins as they will bleed more vigorously. Happy running.

[helingmic in reply to loulou51]

Quite! I have heard an athlete runner and she puts tow pairs of compression socks! Since we are not athletes yet, one pair is enough. You can feel the relief with them. True too that running improvces your circulation. Keep running! Mic

[LouShooz Graduate]

Hita i think running should improve the situation as i believe exercise is the key to good health. I have a really painful VV in my right leg but running does seem to ease it a little. All the best with your C25k quest!

[Windswept1 Graduate]

I am waiting fora hospital referral but GP said carry on running.

[Sean73]

Thanks for the comments..I feel better already

[helingmic]

Sean73 What sports people do not to aggravate the situation is to wear compression socks. Yes, you can have them at a price from a sports shope. I bought mine for £11 from Amazon; they are called "1000 mile". I had swollen ankle and one bulging vein. Wearing these has completely diminished the swelling, but not the vein. But with these it's quite safe to run; that's what sports people do even when they have no varicous eins, because there's a lot of pressure on the circulatory system in the legs. Hope this helps. Mic

[flossieflyblow Graduate]

I always understood that flexing your muscles i.e. exercise, would improve venous return. I know that if you have problems with your veins it is suggested that you have you feet up AND paddle your feet up and down to stop stasis of blood in your lower leg. Standing about is meant to make things worse, isn't it? However, I truly don't know about varicose veins but why not try out the compression socks as suggested (make sure they fit and don't cut off halfway up your calf etc) and see how it feels? Let us know how you get on!

[ginbin Graduate]

I wear compression calf sleeves and they help my legs from tiring out. They have a massaging effect. I also have compression socks for when the weather is cooler. I use the Zensah brand.