How soon can I resume squatting to pick things up after the VNUS procedure?

I've heard that squatting puts added pressure on your leg veins, which is not good for people prone to varicose veins. I've also heard that squatting is a good exercise for people with vein issues. Which is true? Is it safe to squat 7 weeks after the VNUS closure procedure?

Answers from doctors (7)


Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Published on Apr 04, 2013

There are very few limitations that I place on patients after a VNUS closure procedure. I do not believe squatting will cause adverse effects or failure of treatment.

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Answered by Center for Vein Care and Surgery

There are very few limitations that I place on patients after a VNUS closure procedure. I do not believe squatting will cause adverse effects or failure of treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Mar 29, 2013

Yes, it should be fine to do squats at this time. Start without weights and add slowly.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Yes, it should be fine to do squats at this time. Start without weights and add slowly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 29, 2013

Wait 1 week after treatment. I would not say squatting is a good thing or a bad thing. It can aggravate existing reflux, particularly in the greater saphenous vein. It's probably not good for people with significant deep venous reflux.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Wait 1 week after treatment. I would not say squatting is a good thing or a bad thing. It can aggravate existing reflux, particularly in the greater saphenous vein. It's probably not good for people with significant deep venous reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Mar 29, 2013

There is no scientific evidence that squatting would increase your risk for varicose veins. It is safe to do any exercise seven weeks after the VNUS closure procedure. Enjoy those squats! :-)

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Answered by Miller Vein

There is no scientific evidence that squatting would increase your risk for varicose veins. It is safe to do any exercise seven weeks after the VNUS closure procedure. Enjoy those squats! :-)

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 28, 2013

There are theories that squatting can cause a closed vein to reopen by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. This is just a theory and there is no definitive proof of this. I have been doing closure procedures for over 13 years and I have never seen this happen. The usual reason for a vein reopening is a technical matter during the procedure. I encourage patients to return to all normal physical activities as soon as they feel physically able. When microphlebectomies are present, I usually recommend waiting 2 weeks for these to heal.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There are theories that squatting can cause a closed vein to reopen by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. This is just a theory and there is no definitive proof of this. I have been doing closure procedures for over 13 years and I have never seen this happen. The usual reason for a vein reopening is a technical matter during the procedure. I encourage patients to return to all normal physical activities as soon as they feel physically able. When microphlebectomies are present, I usually recommend waiting 2 weeks for these to heal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Mar 28, 2013

My recommended activity post-VNUS closure is no high impact aerobics (e.g. tennis) or heavy lifting (e.g. squats with weights) for a period of 7-10 days. Patients are instructed to wear compression stockings daily for four to six weeks, at which time they will undergo a (second) post-op Doppler exam to determine what additional treatments (e.g. sclerotherapy) may be necessary.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

My recommended activity post-VNUS closure is no high impact aerobics (e.g. tennis) or heavy lifting (e.g. squats with weights) for a period of 7-10 days. Patients are instructed to wear compression stockings daily for four to six weeks, at which time they will undergo a (second) post-op Doppler exam to determine what additional treatments (e.g. sclerotherapy) may be necessary.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 28, 2013

Repeated squatting can increase abdominal pressure that can be transmitted to the newly treated saphenous vein and possibly re-open it. While squatting may not be a good thing to do for several weeks after vein ablation, I advise my patients to resume squats 6 weeks later. So, you're OK 7 weeks out.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Repeated squatting can increase abdominal pressure that can be transmitted to the newly treated saphenous vein and possibly re-open it. While squatting may not be a good thing to do for several weeks after vein ablation, I advise my patients to resume squats 6 weeks later. So, you're OK 7 weeks out.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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