Varicose veins and returning to running after injury

[Loverofrunning]

I have varicose veins and have not done long distance running since January this year. I have been riding my bike 120 km per week to keep cardio fitness up. Just wondering would it be ok to come back to running yet? I have not had surgery and don't intend to get surgery. Would it be ok to get back to running at park run? How long will it take to get fitness back? I am hoping to run in a running race in 4 weeks time.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the amazing biking total. I can’t imagine managing to ride that far each week! That will certainly have helped you stay fit.

I’ve got varicose veins too and I’m still running-I hadn’t ever thought of them as a reason to stop, and I’ve seen plenty of others with them at parkrun. None of us are medical experts here though so if you’ve got concerns, we’d always say to talk to someone suitably qualified in real life.

As for how long it takes to get your fitness back-that’s really individual. I found it frustrating initially not to be where I was before after an injury break but taking it steady and finding patience somewhere deep within did end up paying off. Are you intending to follow to couch to 5k programme again or do your own gradual build? Wishing you luck with whatever route you choose!

[drl212 Graduate]

Well done on your bike riding. I think most of your questions are for your doctor or other health care provider. Every person and case is different.

All the best. I hope you get the news you'd like.