Exercise may slow the progression of vein-related diseases

The benefits of exercise are not all about weight loss or getting toned muscles.  Another often left-out and overlooked benefit but very important is how being physically active also improves the health of your veins.

Understanding venous diseases

Your heart may get all the attention but in order to keep your heart healthy and pumping blood 24/7, requires a healthy system of blood vessels. Blood vessels are flexible, hollow tubes that carry blood to every part of the body. As long as these vessels are free of obstruction such as plaque buildup, they are the avenues directing blood where it needs to go. But, if veins become damaged as a result of venous diseases, this can result in serious and even life-threatening conditions.

These conditions may include the following:

• Blood clots – found in the legs
• Deep vein thrombosis – blood clot occurring in a deep vein such as in the leg
• Phlebitis – a blood clot that develops in a vein close to the surface of the skin
• Chronic venous insufficiency – the pooling of blood, leg swelling, discoloration of the skin
• Varicose and spider veins – abnormal, dilated blood vessels caused by weakening in the blood vessel wall
• Venous stasis ulcers – Wounds or open sores that won’t heal or that keep returning

Anyone with any of the above blood vessel conditions should discuss with their doctor first about what types of physical activity they would recommend. Often, if a person has a more serious venous condition, it’s best to take a conservative approach and then gradually work up over time.

Exercise’s role in improving vein health

Movement is a valuable tool for slowing the progression of vein-related diseases. It helps improve blood vessel strength, heart health, and lung functioning, all critical for having a healthy cardiovascular and circulatory system. By exercising regularly, gets your heart pumping which helps push the blood up and out of your lower legs. Exercises that focus on the lower legs are effective because any venous insufficiency usually affects veins in this area of the body. Exercise is also important for building muscle, which promotes better circulation.

Of course, exercise is also critical for maintaining a healthy body weight helping improve your overall health in general.

Before starting or changing any current exercise routine or anyone with a heart condition, should consult with their doctor first. In the meantime, here are several ways to exercise safely while improving your vascular health:

• Spend less time sitting: Every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day, get up and move around at least five to ten minutes. Even just marching in place or walking while talking on your cell phone counts. Minimizing time spent sitting helps improve circulation and blood flow through the body.
• Walk whenever you can: Taking a walk will always be one of the best ways to get up and moving. It’s free and can be done at a pace suitable for you. Whatever pace you can walk, slow or fast, will be beneficial.
• Stationary bicycle: Here’s another low-impact exercise ideal for pumping blood flow throughout the entire leg. Depending on your fitness level, go at a pace comfortable for you.
• Simple chair exercises: For anyone who is unable to walk very far or has difficulty in walking, there are numerous simple exercises that can be done sitting in a chair. Choose a solid, stable chair without wheels or arms – such as a dining or kitchen chair. Here are a few chair exercises to consider:
• Calf flexors – Place feet flat on the floor, then slowly raise your toes, stretching your calf muscle. Now, lower your toes to the floor and raise your heels, repeating for 30 seconds to one minute
• Foot extensions – While sitting, either using one foot at a time or both feet together, flex your foot bringing your toes towards your knee. Then slowly point your toes away from your knee. Hold each position for 2-3 seconds and perform 10 repetitions.
• Ankle circles – Trace a wide clockwise circle with your foot by moving your ankle but keeping your leg still. Make 4 circles. Then reverse direction and trace a wide counter-clockwise circle with your foot. Repeat 5 times with each foot.
• Elevate your legs: Keeping your legs elevated may not be considered an exercise, but it is crucial for blood circulation. Raising your legs can help relieve aches and pains caused by venous diseases and also reduce swelling. Whenever you are sitting or lying down, elevate your legs as high as possible.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.