Exercise is good for circulation, including all veins. Running, especially running without compression socks, can temporarily aggravate varicose vein and make them more tender for the next day. However, I do not believe that moderate running should not cause long-term worsening of varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, running generally does not exacerbate varicosities. Running activates a musculol-venous pump located in your calves which moves the venous blood out of your legs when running or walking. Your legs probably feel better when running.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It may make them more noticeable (during exercise) but it does not exacerbate them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Typically exercise (any type which causes the thigh and calf muscles to pump) is beneficial to the circulation. If you have reflux in the saphenous vein (long or short) which can progress and cause symptoms such as pain, aching, heaviness, leg cramping, skin changes. In some people, it does limit their exercise. Getting an ultrasound examination will diagnose if reflux is present. However, well-muscled legs often cause normal veins to protrude - look at the Greek warrior statues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, it could. You should be wearing compression stockings. Please consult a specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes it can.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Pounding such as running and jogging or heavy weight lifting could lead to valvular damage of the veins resulting in the formation of varicose veins. Exercise, however, is good to increase the calf muscle contractility and improve the venous return.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I believe the benefits of exercise outweigh any detrimental effect on your veins. Personally, I think the effect is neglible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No one knows for sure. I tell my runners to keep running, but there's a possibility they may require more vein treatments over the course of their lifetime vs non-runners.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, running and most exercise is beneficial to venous health. The only exercise I would recommend avoiding would be power weight lifting [ lifting very heavy weights].

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No one really knows. Some physicians say yes, exercise strains the vessles and contributes to VV. Others will tell you a strong, healthy calf muscle aids the flow of blood back to the heart, and helps keep veins compressed, less likely to form varicosities. We see varicose veins on professional athletes just as commonly as on couch potatoes, so it is difficult to say. In the absence of any controlled studies, we just don't know. Wish I could give you a better answer!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No. Running helps to keep the muscles in the legs healthy and strong. Strong muscles help to propel venous blood up the leg back to the heart. This in turn helps to minimize the negative effects on circulation caused by varicose vein disease. So keep running.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Exercise in general does not exacerbate vein problems. Heavy lifting -like heavy squats may make the condition worse. Running should be encouraged. Compression garments may help alleviate sensations of swelling during the run.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Unfortunately, yes, it can. There are three main types of varicose veins, depending on their origins, but they all result from reflux disease. Since much of reflux originates from reverse hydrostatic pressure due to faulty valves, activities such as running will increase this process and gradually increase the size or varicose veins. There are many types of sports compression socks and hoses and I would highly recommend you wearing them when running to decrease the reflux effects on your veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Prolonged standing and running will cause veins to engorge and ache. Wearing compression stockings during the day will help control the symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Possibly. Sport hose can help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012