Many active patients are concerned about exercise after varicose vein surgery. In the past, varicose vein surgery forced patients to be inactive for weeks, but with today’s advanced treatment options, long recovery periods are no longer necessary. In fact, after laser surgery for varicose veins, the recovery period is short and exercise can help with both healing and vein function.
After treating varicose veins, it is best to stay active, but avoid running, jumping or heavy lifting for a week or two. Gentle aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, stretching with yoga or tai chi, or leg lifts can help improve blood return to the heart while lowering pressure. As healing progresses, activity can be increased gradually.
Intense exercise done too quickly after varicose vein surgery can create a risk of failure of the treated vessels to close. The treated veins need to shrink and ultimately dissolve. Therefore, limiting exercise that causes an elevated heart rate is advisable for a time. However, resuming most regular daily activities is possible immediately following varicose vein surgery.
Strenuous exercise performed too soon can also result in varicose veins bleeding. If this should occur, elevate the leg higher than the heart, apply pressure, then a pressure bandage or gauze with an elastic wrap.
Additionally, avoid activities that raise the temperature, such as hot yoga, a jacuzzi, long hot showers, or the steam room. Heat can contribute to dilation that may open the vein that the surgery is trying to constrict and dissolve.
Compression stockings may be advisable during exercise time to increase blood circulation, and wearing comfortable clothing and footwear can help to reduce pressure. Simply remember, the key after treatment is to start gently, and to increase gradually.
If you would like more information about exercise after varicose vein surgery, please contact the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations:
Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.
At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.
With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.
