What is the reasoning behind waiting to resume more vigorous physical activity after varicose vein surgery?

Does it have to do with the pounding or impact of the leg to the ground, or does it have to do with your blood flow or the increased heart rate?

Answers from doctors (11)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 04, 2012

If incisions are made on your leg, then you will need to wait about 5 to 7 days so that these will heal completely before you start with impact or vigorous exercise. If you have venous ablation and microphlebectomies, then you only need to wait 3 to 5 days.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

If incisions are made on your leg, then you will need to wait about 5 to 7 days so that these will heal completely before you start with impact or vigorous exercise. If you have venous ablation and microphlebectomies, then you only need to wait 3 to 5 days.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Oct 06, 2009

This is a great question. In theory, heavy lifting and exertion heavy activities increases pressure within the veins of the body which could be transmitted to the lower extremity vein that was treated. The fear is that this would cause the recently closed vein to re-open. However, there is no scientific proof of this. Thus, the answer is controversial.

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Answered by Miller Vein

This is a great question. In theory, heavy lifting and exertion heavy activities increases pressure within the veins of the body which could be transmitted to the lower extremity vein that was treated. The fear is that this would cause the recently closed vein to re-open. However, there is no scientific proof of this. Thus, the answer is controversial.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Oct 05, 2009

After any medical procedure, patients are encouraged not to engage in strenuous activity to avoid bleeding in the first 24-48 hours. In the case of treatment of larger varicose veins where reflux from deep veins is the underlying cause, early phase strenuous activity and the resulting reflux into the vein that is may be not fully closed yet, may potentially interfere with achieving successful results. That is why, we ask patients just engage in routine activities, and not strenuous activities, for a couple of days. In the case of small
veins and spider veins, patients generally may resume all normal activities immediately after sclerotherapy, except for wearing compression stockings for 1-3 days (during the day only).

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Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

After any medical procedure, patients are encouraged not to engage in strenuous activity to avoid bleeding in the first 24-48 hours. In the case of treatment of larger varicose veins where reflux from deep veins is the underlying cause, early phase strenuous activity and the resulting reflux into the vein that is may be not fully closed yet, may potentially interfere with achieving successful results. That is why, we ask patients just engage in routine activities, and not strenuous activities, for a couple of days. In the case of small
veins and spider veins, patients generally may resume all normal activities immediately after sclerotherapy, except for wearing compression stockings for 1-3 days (during the day only).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Oct 05, 2009

Avoiding heavy straining pounding, weightlifting etc. tends to increase venous pressure. Although this is a relative issue, most feel that avoiding activities that tend to reopen veins in the immediate post operative is advantageous. Is there medical data supporting this?
No, but most feel this is a logical precaution in the immediate post op period.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Avoiding heavy straining pounding, weightlifting etc. tends to increase venous pressure. Although this is a relative issue, most feel that avoiding activities that tend to reopen veins in the immediate post operative is advantageous. Is there medical data supporting this?
No, but most feel this is a logical precaution in the immediate post op period.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Oct 05, 2009

Any activity which raises the pressure in the veins of the abdomen or lower extremities might cause bleeding from a recent incision or venous puncture site. Heavy lifting, straining, or very heavy breathing may increase the venous pressures enough to break the seal on a vein causing bleeding.

Activity which causes significant repetitive trauma or abrasion of the skin at an incision site might interfere with healing or introduce infection.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Any activity which raises the pressure in the veins of the abdomen or lower extremities might cause bleeding from a recent incision or venous puncture site. Heavy lifting, straining, or very heavy breathing may increase the venous pressures enough to break the seal on a vein causing bleeding.

Activity which causes significant repetitive trauma or abrasion of the skin at an incision site might interfere with healing or introduce infection.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 05, 2009

We want to keep the intra-abdominal pressure from increasing immediately after the veins are sealed shut. Generally speaking normal exercise may be resumed within 5-7 days post procedure.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

We want to keep the intra-abdominal pressure from increasing immediately after the veins are sealed shut. Generally speaking normal exercise may be resumed within 5-7 days post procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Jacksonville Vein Center

Published on Oct 05, 2009

It is related to the imact of your legs on the ground as well as the increased venous pressue that occurs with vigorous activity. Swimming might be a viable alternative if you only underwent an evlt.

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Answered by The Jacksonville Vein Center

It is related to the imact of your legs on the ground as well as the increased venous pressue that occurs with vigorous activity. Swimming might be a viable alternative if you only underwent an evlt.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Oct 05, 2009

It has nothing to do with impact of the leg or increase in blood flow. What I am trying to avoid is increased pressure within the vien that is ablated so that it won't reopen.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

It has nothing to do with impact of the leg or increase in blood flow. What I am trying to avoid is increased pressure within the vien that is ablated so that it won't reopen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Kimmel Institute

Published on Oct 05, 2009

Both. You don't want to increase the pressure on the vein that you just closed, and it takes time for the thrombosed vein to heal (think of epoxy or glue and how it has to 'set' before it is strong and secure).

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Answered by The Kimmel Institute

Both. You don't want to increase the pressure on the vein that you just closed, and it takes time for the thrombosed vein to heal (think of epoxy or glue and how it has to 'set' before it is strong and secure).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Oct 05, 2009

When you engage in vigorous activity, such as weightlifting and running, you venous pressure increases. In order for your legs to heal properly, you need to keep your venous pressure low.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

When you engage in vigorous activity, such as weightlifting and running, you venous pressure increases. In order for your legs to heal properly, you need to keep your venous pressure low.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 05, 2009

There are two reasons for waiting for one week before resuming certain vigorous activities. The first is activities that require heavy lifting such as weightlifting should be avoided for one week because when one strains to lift it will increase intrabdominal pressure. The increase abdominal pressure puts pressure on the veins in the leg to open.

The second is that is certain activities such that could be potential traumatic can lead to bruising and increase inflammation which will delay healing.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

There are two reasons for waiting for one week before resuming certain vigorous activities. The first is activities that require heavy lifting such as weightlifting should be avoided for one week because when one strains to lift it will increase intrabdominal pressure. The increase abdominal pressure puts pressure on the veins in the leg to open.

The second is that is certain activities such that could be potential traumatic can lead to bruising and increase inflammation which will delay healing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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