Although athletes are typically at the peak of physical health, varicose veins can affect anyone regardless of their health status. Because of the physical pressure and strain physical activity can put on veins, athletes may experience a unique risk associated with varicose veins. Training and other physical exertion done by athletes may lead to more varicose veins than the average person, thus impacting athletes’ ability to perform at their usual level.
Certain sports can increase your risk of varicose veins, including:
- Weightlifting: Can include excessive straining that damages vein valves
- Running: Can include long periods of being on your feet, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities
- Cycling: Can include long periods of sitting, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities
- Tennis & Pickleball: Can include impact on the legs that may damage vein valves
- Skiing: Can include an increase of intra-abdominal pressure that may damage vein valves
- Football: Can include intense physical contact that can easily damage vein valves or rupture varicose veins that already existed
Early Warning Signs of Varicose Veins
If you take part in any of the aforementioned activities or enjoy physical activity, you should pay attention to any potential warning signs of varicose veins that you may be experiencing. We recommend reaching out to a specialist as soon as any symptoms occur. This way, treatment can begin before your veins suffer major problems and you lose the ability to do what you love.
Varicose Vein Symptoms
- Painful or heavy sensation in your legs
- Swelling in your feet/ankles
- Leg throbbing/cramping
- Itching sensations in the lower legs
We at Refine Vein Center are ready to work with your specific needs to address the root cause of the varicose veins you are experiencing. We will get you back to feeling your best so you can continue doing what you love.
Contact our office at 615.716.VEIN to schedule an appointment today.
