Exercising and Treating Varicose Veins

Have you discovered blue, twisted, and enlarged veins on your ankles or legs? Do your legs hurt around those veins? You probably have varicose veins. This condition can be caused by heredity, being overweight or pregnant, or even standing on your feet all day. There is a way that you can eliminate a lot of pain and help to improve the look of your legs. For many people this can be done by doing just a few simple exercises.

The following exercises can help alleviate the pain caused by varicose veins and may help to keep new ones from developing.

• Leg Lifts. Lay on your back, on the floor, with your hands underneath your buttocks. This can relieve pressure on your lower back. Lift one leg and hold the leg in an elevated position perpendicular to the floor. Keep holding your leg in this position until you feel blood beginning to circulate through your feet, legs, thighs. Now switch legs and go through the same motion as you did with the other leg. To add some variation to this exercise raise both legs and start rotating your ankles in a circle.
• Pedaling. Start by lying flat on your back on the floor. Place your hands underneath your buttocks. (This will help to prevent putting strain on your lower back.) Lift your legs up so that they are off the floor. Start pedaling your legs like you would if you were riding a bicycle. There are two positions that you can place your legs to get added benefits. To get more blood circulating to your legs, try to elevate your legs as high as you can. Another benefit is if you lower your legs and pedal it will tone your stomach. Keep exercise till the pain has begun to leave and you can feel the blood circulating through your legs.
• Knee Bends. Lay on your back on the floor. Take one leg and gently pull it into your chest. Do this by holding onto your leg with your hands behind your knees. When your leg gets as close to the chest as it can, slowly point and flex your foot, being sure that you can actually feel the muscles working. Now repeat this exercise with the other leg.

These exercises should only be used by those whose pain is mild; they can help improve the appearance of varicose veins as well as relieve some of the pain. However, if your pain is severe then you need to see a doctor to receive medical treatment.