Can Exercise Help Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Blog Post
By BASS Vein Center
Can Exercise Help Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
October 19, 2023

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition that occurs whenever the veins in your legs do not allow blood to flow naturally back up to your heart. When they are healthy and not damaged, the valves located in your veins ensure that the blood flows in the right direction. But when the valves no longer work as they should, the blood will begin to flow backward. This will cause the blood to start to pool in your legs. This leads to symptoms such as swelling of the legs and varicose veins.

What CVI Treatment Options Are Available?

Chronic venous insufficiency can cause severe discomfort to occur. These aches and pains can impair your overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are minimally invasive chronic venous insufficiency treatment options available to help with this condition. Along with in-office treatments, there are also things you can do at home to help, such as exercising more often and making other positive lifestyle changes.

Increase Your Activity Levels by Exercising More Often

If you have chronic venous insufficiency, your doctor may recommend that you exercise more. This doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise, and you don’t need to overexert yourself. Simple activities such as walking around the neighborhood or riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes several days a week can help keep the blood moving. Being active helps improve your body’s circulation while also tones the muscles of your legs. This movement can help to pump the blood in your legs in the right direction toward the heart. Taking the time to stretch your thigh and calf muscles can also significantly improve your blood flow.

Here are a few more examples of exercises you can do to help improve the circulation of blood.

Leg Lifts

A leg lift is a basic stretch that doesn’t require the use of any special equipment. You start by lying on your back, then lift one leg at a time. Hold that leg in the air for a few seconds. Most people count to five. Then do the same with the other leg. This exercise is good for helping to stretch the calf muscles of your legs. Some people also do leg lifts while they are standing. This variation can help to increase your muscle’s flexibility. You do upright leg lifts by holding onto a stable object like a chair and extending one leg in front of you. Hold your leg in place for a few seconds, then alternate your legs.

Rocking Your Feet

Rocking your feet involves stretching out your feet muscles, helping with blood circulation, and improving muscle strength. You start by resting your weight on the balls of your feet. Do this for a few seconds, then lower your heel. After that, rest your weight on your heel as you lift the ball of your foot. This stretch can be done while you are either sitting or standing. If you are standing, you may want to hold onto a chair or other stable object to maintain your balance.

Keeping Your Legs Elevated

Keeping your legs elevated may not be considered an exercise, but it is crucial to blood circulation. Raising your legs can help relieve aches and pains caused by CVI and also reduce swelling. So, whenever you are sitting or lying down, keep your legs elevated as high as possible to help with this condition.

Get Help with Chronic Venous Insufficiency from Bass Vein Center

If you have chronic venous insufficiency symptoms, such as varicose veins or spider veins,  you need to be seen by a vein specialist. Get in touch with our experts here at BASS Vein Center for more details and set up an appointment. We may be reached at (925) 281-5912.

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