Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening todayAlleviate Vein Swelling by Swimming
Swimming is a great way to cool off while soothing your aching legs. Vein pain caused by varicose veins can be unbearable in the summer heat here in Florida.
Not only is swimming fun and a great form of exercise it can actually help your varicose veins! The pumping motion your legs make while swimming can help to ease the effects of gravity on the body by allowing you to be temporarily weightless in the pool.
Every single day your legs work hard against the earth’s gravitational pull in order to pump the needed blood back up to the heart. This can create a lot of pressure on the body, especially your legs as we age. This pressure can lead to the development of varicose veins.
When swimming, the weight of the body lessens and the pressure of the water helps force the circulation through the legs. The water creates a compression effect on your legs much like wearing compression stockings.
Since swimming is exercise, a person is using their muscles with each stroke and paddle in the water, which improves circulation and takes pressure off the varicose veins.
If you don’t love swimming or never learned how you can still gain the benefits of exercising in the water without doing major laps around the pool. Treading water and kicking your legs while holding onto the side of the pool or using a kickboard are great ways to get a workout and reduce pressure on your varicose veins.
Treading water gives you a total body workout as you’re working your arms and legs while getting your heart rate up. Other water-movement options: slow jogging, walking, and leg lifts. If none of these ideas sound appealing to you, try different ways of getting your legs moving in the water; any leg movement improves circulation and it’s easier on your joints.
Along with relieving vein pain and being health, swimming has many benefits, including toning the body, improving flexibility, reducing stressing, improving oxygen use in the body, and providing low-impact and low-injury movements and exercises.
Swimming is a great way to reduce painful symptoms and keep the blood flowing properly in the legs.
Although swimming can reduce the painful side effects of having varicose veins, it cannot rid the body of them; it will only give you temporary relief.
The best option to treat varicose veins and other damaged veins is to see a vein specialist to discuss the best treatment plan to diagnose and treat your venous insufficiency. Dr. Zuzga of The West Florida Vein Center can help you with your vein problems. To learn more or to book an appointment, click here or call 727-712-3233.