Varicose Veins in Athletes: A Cause for Concern?

Varicose veins can affect everyone, regardless of their age or sex. There are a number of ways to prevent varicose veins, with exercise considered a leading preventative measure.

However, did you know that athletes can still develop varicose veins?

Here, we’ll look at the prevalence of varicose veins in athletes and what you can do to reduce the risk.

Why do varicose veins affect athletes?

Regular exercise is great for reducing the risks of deteriorating veins. However, that isn’t to say that everyone who exercises frequently won’t develop the condition. It can affect anyone, including athletes who exercise vigorously.

There is some evidence that certain sports are more of a risk than others for the development of varicose veins. These include sports which place a lot of pressure onto the veins such as weightlifting and skiing. Repetitive motion sports like cycling and running can also place additional stress on the legs.

Sometimes athletes think they have varicose veins, when in fact it is just swelling caused by the exercise. Bulging veins can present themselves after a strenuous workout routine, and will usually go down naturally. But if the legs are swollen or painful for a long time, seek help from a vein specialist.

How can you prevent varicose veins?

If you are an athlete, there are ways you can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings is one of the best ways to prevent them. These help to improve the blood flow in the veins and reduce the impact from working out.

Making sure you warm up properly prior to exercise is another tip to follow. If you’ve done a particularly intense workout, keeping the legs elevated for a while afterwards can help.

Treating varicose veins

If you develop varicose veins, the quicker you seek treatment the better. If left untreated, they can worsen, potentially threatening your athletic career. Early treatments tend to be non-invasive, requiring very little downtime.

Athletes who do have varicose veins find that they can really slow down their performance. So, if you are suffering with your varicose veins, call 01872 308 520 and book a consultation with a vein specialist.