Most people know that a regular exercise routine is good for general health and healthy weight maintenance. However, if you've recently received sclerotherapy treatment for varicose veins or spider veins, some exercise or strenuous activity can compromise your results.
This post will discuss the five exercises to avoid and what to do to maximize results for sclerotherapy patients.
Should you rest after Sclerotherapy?
For the vast majority, the simple answer is yes. Sclerotherapy irritates the lining of your veins, causing veins to inflame and eventually collapse. Therefore, rest is an essential part of the healing process after treatments for varicose veins, as this process can take up to a few weeks. During this time, it's important to avoid exercise involving unnecessary stress on the treated veins.
Your doctor will likely recommend you wear compression stockings for some time to help the healing process along and improve vein function.
Can you exercise after Sclerotherapy?
Many active patients want to know whether exercise is safe after vein surgery. The answer is yes. You can certainly exercise after vein treatment, as it helps improve the results of sclerotherapy by increasing blood circulation.
Of course, it's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Also, be sure to wear compression stockings during and after exercise to help minimize the risk of blood clot formation and avoid unnecessary irritation.
When can you start exercising after Sclerotherapy?
You may be curious to know when you can begin exercising after having varicose vein treatment. However, before resuming exercise, there are a few things to consider if you've recently undergone sclerotherapy.
First, how did you feel immediately following the vein treatment? If you felt leg pain or discomfort, it's likely best to wait until symptoms subside before beginning any physical activity or training programs.
Secondly, did you have any bruising after the vein procedure? While some bruising is normal, excessive bruising could suggest pausing to take things easy for a bit longer. Depending on how bad the bruising is, a few more days or an extra week of rest may be necessary to avoid further vein problems.
What are the benefits and risks of exercise after Sclerotherapy?
There are several benefits to exercising after sclerotherapy treatment for your varicose veins. Including increased blood flow, reduced risk of developing blood clot formation or the term we know as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and prevention of another vein disease.
However, some risks are associated with exercise after varicose vein treatment using sclerotherapy. First, exercise may increase your risk of bruising and swelling at the injection site. Second, exercising too soon after the vein procedure may cause the vein to become more irritated, possibly damage the treated veins, and may even cause the vein to burst.
What exercise should you avoid after Sclerotherapy?
After Sclerotherapy treatment for your varicose veins, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise that may put excessive pressure on the treated veins. Here are five types of exercises to avoid for at least two weeks after vein treatments:
1. Running
Running, sprinting, jogging, and long-distance running should be avoided, as these are high-impact forms of exercise. High-impact pounding on the feet can put to much pressure on the veins and cause them to rupture.
2. Excessive jumping
Jumping, including basketball, volleyball, and high-impact aerobics, can put too much stress and pressure on the lower body and lead to veins bursting.
3. Kicking
It's best to avoid exercise that involves kicking such as soccer, martial arts, and kickboxing. The reason is kicking puts strain on your treated veins and raises the possibility of vein damage.
4. Heavy lifting
It is critical to stay away from any heavy lifting because this strenuous exercise might raise blood pressure and strain veins, resulting in their rupture.
5. Squatting
When you squat, the weight of your body transfers to your legs and feet and can put too much pressure on the treated veins. Pressure from squatting can cause the walls of the blood vessels to rupture.
Other things to avoid:
- Exposing your skin to excessive sunlight or extreme heat.
- Taking hot baths.
- Sitting in a hot tub or using a jacuzzi.
- Applying hot compresses to treated areas.
Best exercise after sclerotherapy treatment
Now that you know some of the exercises you should avoid after treating your varicose veins using sclerotherapy, you may be wondering what kind of exercise is safe. And if exercise can help maximize your results and prevent the formation of another vein disease? Here are some activities you can safely do:
- Walking: Walking is a great way to improve blood circulation and help your body heal after sclerotherapy. Start with short walks around the block and gradually increase the distance as you feel more comfortable.
- Pedaling on an elliptical bike: This low-impact exercise is a great way to get your heart rate up without excess strain on your legs. Start with a slow pace and increase the intensity as you feel able.
- Tai chi: Tai chi, and other stretching-based activities, are gentle forms of exercise that can help improve flexibility and balance. It’s also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Start with simple movements and work your way up to more complex ones as you feel comfortable.
- Elevate your legs: This position helps reduce swelling in your legs and can be done by lying down and propping your legs up on a pillow or blanket.
- Light weight lifting: This type of exercise helps to improve circulation and can be done with dumbbells or resistance bands. Start with light weights and increase the amount of weight as you feel comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after sclerotherapy do veins disappear?
It depends on the individual, the severity of their condition, and medical history. For some people, veins may disappear immediately after treatment. For others, it may take several weeks or even months for veins to disappear completely. However, in most cases, patients will see a significant improvement within a few weeks of treatment. Sclerotherapy is considered a very effective treatment for spider and varicose veins.
Can you do yoga after Sclerotherapy?
Yes, yoga is an excellent form of exercise after sclerotherapy. It increases circulation and promotes healing in the body, which can help to reduce the appearance of spider veins. Just be sure to listen to your body and stop exercising if you experience leg pain or discomfort. Also, avoid hot yoga or any poses that exert excess pressure at the injection sites.
Is it safe to take a shower after sclerotherapy?
It is safe to take a shower after sclerotherapy. In fact, it’s encouraged! Washing the treated area helps to remove any residual soap from the injection site and prevents irritation. It’s also important to keep the area clean to prevent infection. So go ahead and take a shower, just be sure to not scrub the treated area too vigorously. In addition, avoid activities that involve heat, such as hot showers, hot baths, jacuzzi's, and steam rooms or saunas.
Conclusion
If you are post-sclerotherapy and looking for exercises to improve your results, avoid the five exercises listed above and try those recommended instead. Be sure to consult with experienced vein doctors before starting any exercise routine.
Vein Envy's board-certified vein specialists have extensive experience and successfully treated hundreds of patients with various venous diseases. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about vein conditions and the best options for treatment to help you feel and look your best!
