Is it safe to resume weight lifting after EVLT?

Is it ok to resume weight lifting after EVLT. Will weight lifting or any other intense activities contribute to varicose veins

Answers from doctors (7)


San Fernando Valley Vascular Group

Published on May 06, 2019

Before proceeding with your exercise routine, our advice is to consult with the surgeon who performed your procedure.

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Answered by San Fernando Valley Vascular Group

Before proceeding with your exercise routine, our advice is to consult with the surgeon who performed your procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Jun 03, 2016

There are various protocols as to what NOT to do after endovenous ablation procedures. I recommend no repetitive weight lifting (above 40 pounds) for 2 days after endovenous laser ablation procedures. If it is going to "pop open", or recanalize, it is most likely to do so in the first week after ablation. Less than 2% recanalize at a follow-up of 3 months, and up to 5% at 6 months to 1 year follow up. This is why follow up is important and dedicated vein specialists are important when choosing a doctor to ablate your veins.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

There are various protocols as to what NOT to do after endovenous ablation procedures. I recommend no repetitive weight lifting (above 40 pounds) for 2 days after endovenous laser ablation procedures. If it is going to "pop open", or recanalize, it is most likely to do so in the first week after ablation. Less than 2% recanalize at a follow-up of 3 months, and up to 5% at 6 months to 1 year follow up. This is why follow up is important and dedicated vein specialists are important when choosing a doctor to ablate your veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


West Coast Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Jun 02, 2016

Yes, in a few weeks.

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Answered by West Coast Medicine and Cardiology

Yes, in a few weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Mercy Imaging Centers

Published on Jun 02, 2016

I would suggest waiting until after the post-EVLT ultrasound check just to make sure there is not a potential loose clot in the groin area.

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Answered by Mercy Imaging Centers

I would suggest waiting until after the post-EVLT ultrasound check just to make sure there is not a potential loose clot in the groin area.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 02, 2016

I usually ask my patients to refrain from heavy weights and intensive physical activity such as boot camp for 10 days. We have you gradually resume after that time. People who are very physically fit may have more prominent veins on the legs but not necessarily varicose veins. Heavy lifting causes valsalva and straining, which can cause varicose veins to become larger.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I usually ask my patients to refrain from heavy weights and intensive physical activity such as boot camp for 10 days. We have you gradually resume after that time. People who are very physically fit may have more prominent veins on the legs but not necessarily varicose veins. Heavy lifting causes valsalva and straining, which can cause varicose veins to become larger.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jun 02, 2016

Yes, it is. I suggest waiting 1 week.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Yes, it is. I suggest waiting 1 week.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 02, 2016

The thought is that weight lifting increases the intrathoracic pressure, causing the veins to dilate and put pressure on the vein valves. Theoretically, this is possible. However, if you enjoy weight lifting, then you should get back to doing what you like to do and deal with future veins when/if they should become a problem. I recommend to my patients that they resume weight lifting as soon as they feel comfortable--usually within one to two weeks.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The thought is that weight lifting increases the intrathoracic pressure, causing the veins to dilate and put pressure on the vein valves. Theoretically, this is possible. However, if you enjoy weight lifting, then you should get back to doing what you like to do and deal with future veins when/if they should become a problem. I recommend to my patients that they resume weight lifting as soon as they feel comfortable--usually within one to two weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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