does exercise help with varicose veins ?

Last Updated on June 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Does exercise help with varicose veins ?

Varicose veins are a disease condition that affects the legs, causing enlargement, discomfort, swelling, and visible twisting under the skin.

As people wonder in their minds, “Does exercise help with varicose veins?”

Today, we will not only answer that question but also explore the causes, symptoms, the best exercises for varicose veins, and important safety considerations while exercising. Follow me.

What causes varicose veins ?

Varicose veins happen when weakened or damaged valves in the veins let blood pool, causing them to swell, twist, and bulge.

These varicose veins are mainly in the legs, where veins always work against gravity, creating pressure.

That’s why people wonder, “Does exercise help with varicose veins?” It’s important to know that exercises can help manage symptoms, but if the cause is mainly in your weakened valves, you must go to see a doctor before the condition worsens.

What Are The Symptoms Of Varicose Veins ?

The symptoms of varicose veins include:

Swollen, twisted veins under the skin, appearing in blue or purple colors.
Pain, throbbing, and cramps in the legs after standing, sitting, or doing physical activity for a long time, even when you feel tired and move.
Itching or an irritating feeling around the varicose vein areas.
Discoloration in the skin.
Skin ulcers.

Take the first step toward a correct diagnosis by booking an appointment with your doctor.

What Are The Symptoms Of Varicose Veins ?

Does exercise help with varicose veins ?

Does exercise help with varicose veins? The answer is that doing exercises will not completely treat varicose veins, but it can ease symptoms and decrease the risk of developing further complications.

The best exercise for varicose veins is low-impact exercise, which is simple and easy on the joints and improves blood circulation. Walking, swimming, and biking are excellent examples.

Best exercises for varicose veins

Benefits of exercises that can relieve the discomfort of varicose veins include strengthening the muscles and supporting the veins, leading to reduced pain and swelling in affected areas.

Here are the best exercises for varicose veins recommended by therapists:

Walking:

Walking is one of the best exercises for varicose veins in the legs. It is easy and activates blood flow, helping push blood back to the heart and reducing pressure in the veins. Regular walking stimulates the calf muscle pump.

Swimming:

Swimming is an effective exercise without pressure on the joints, not only as a zero-gravity, low-impact exercise that promotes circulation, but also because the water’s resistance strengthens leg muscles and supports vein health.

Cycling:

Whether using a stationary cycle or pedaling a bike, it stimulates the motion of the ankles and knees and improves blood flow through the legs.

Start in 5-10 minutes, then increase the duration gradually.

Foot pumps:

To prevent blood from collecting in the lower legs, you should make a simple movement by flexing the feet up and down.

This is one of the best exercises for people who stand or sit for a long time.

Ankle circles:

Moving your ankles in circular directions encourages flexibility and stimulates blood circulation in the small veins of the lower legs, reducing swelling and stiffness.

Calf raises:

When you stand on your toes and lift your heels, you not only strengthen your calf muscles but also help push the blood back toward the heart like a pump.

That makes this exercise one of the best exercises endorsed for better vein health.

Leg raises:

Lie down, then lift your legs; that helps reduce the pressure on veins, boosts blood drainage, and also tones your thighs and calves gently.

Safety Considerations

Exercise indeed has many benefits for stimulating circulation, and it’s important to do these exercises safely.

Some high-impact exercises put extra pressure on the legs and worsen symptoms, so if we are wondering does exercise helps with varicose veins or will exercise help varicose veins, the answer depends on choosing the right type of exercise.

So if you feel pain when you do an exercise, you must talk to your doctor.

In the end, we answer, “Does exercise help with varicose veins?” Practicing low-impact exercise can boost blood flow and prevent varicose veins from getting worse.

But doing the right workouts and preventing high-impact movements is key to protecting your veins in the legs.

If pain appears while doing exercise, you must consult Dr. Marzouk and his team at Frontier Medical Care in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, or schedule your appointment online.

Stay in touch with us: