Can weightlifting cause varicose veins?
There’s a lot of reasons varicose veins can develop over your lifetime, but could it be down to the type of exercise that you do? Weightlifting, for example, is a popular yet strenuous activity. You’ll often notice the veins in your legs bulging after a workout. So, could these be varicose veins?
Here, you’ll discover whether or not your weightlifting habit could be causing varicose veins.
Does weightlifting increase the risk of varicose veins?
You’ll find a lot of contradictory advice on whether or not weightlifting can increase the risk of varicose veins. Some experts claim it doesn’t, while others claim the pressure placed upon the veins during weightlifting can eventually lead to varicose veins. So, what’s true?
Well, on the whole, weightlifting isn’t known to increase the risk of varicose veins, but only if it’s done correctly. If you partake in strenuous weight lifting and you do it in excess, there is a possibility it could weaken the veins over time, resulting in varicose veins. If you do it with the correct posture and don’t overdo it, it’s unlikely you’ll develop varicose veins.
How to tell the difference between the pump and varicose veins
The main reason people think weightlifting has given them varicose veins is because of the ‘pump’ that’s left after a lifting session. The veins bulge out, mimicking the appearance of varicose veins.
However, the pump is actually where there is an increase in blood in the veins, causing them to bulge outwards. As you exercise, more blood and oxygen is sent to the muscles, causing the veins to fill up more than they usually would. The pump will go down after a while once you’ve stopped exercising.
Varicose veins, on the other hand, don’t suddenly disappear. They are caused by faulty valves, leading to blood pooling in the veins. You’ll typically experience other symptoms too if you have varicose veins, such as aching and itching.
Seeking a diagnosis
If you’re unsure whether or not you’re suffering from varicose veins, it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis. Even though varicose veins are often dismissed as a mere cosmetic issue, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems. So, book a consultation with a vein specialist to determine whether you’re simply seeing the pump from your exercise, or whether you’ve developed varicose veins.