Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
No; in fact, a regular exercise program may be the most
effective treatment for varicose veins. Veins are supposed to
contain valves that keep blood from backing up. When the valves
cannot close properly, veins become varicose, blood backs up
and causes the veins to widen and look like blue snakes
underneath the skin. Since varicose veins swell because blood
pools in them, the best treatment is to empty blood from the
veins. When you exercise, your leg muscles alternately contract
and relax, squeezing blood toward the heart. Running, walking,
cycling, skiing, skating and dancing are ideal treatments, while
standing or sitting increase blood pooling and widen the veins.
People with varicose veins should not stand around for a long
time. You should wear support hose when you stand or walk
slowly, but you don't need them when you exercise.
Varicose veins are caused by a genetic weakness in the
valves or an obstruction of blood flow, which may be caused by
obesity, pregnancy, tumors, clots or heart disease. Superficial
varicose veins that you can see can cause a feeling of heaviness
or aching, but they are rarely painful. If you hate the way large
veins look, a surgeon can remove them, but most varicose veins
are best left alone. Special injections and laser burning remove
only small veins.