Venous insufficiency is a common condition in weightlifters. Find out how to slow down the rate of development of this ailment by doing bodybuilding. Many people are familiar with the feeling of heaviness in their legs. At some point, they may also detect an unpleasant “venous network”. These are symptoms of venous insufficiency. Over time, it can cause varicose veins. Strength sports significantly increase this risk. Today we will talk about the prevention of venous insufficiency in weightlifters.
Symptoms of venous insufficiency
The symptoms of varicose veins directly depend on the stage of the disease. They can be very light and hardly felt, or they can be very difficult to carry. Mild symptoms are cosmetic defects and do not require increased attention.
In a more severe form of the disease, blood outflows from the lower extremities. The first symptom of the onset of varicose veins is most often a feeling of heaviness in the legs, which manifests itself as much as possible towards the end of the day. Subsequent symptoms include itching of the skin, swelling of the legs, and cramps in the calf muscles. With the further progression of the disease, pain occurs in the lower leg area, which intensifies if the person is sitting or standing.
If you have these symptoms, then you should think about starting treatment, since the main danger of the disease is the possibility of trophic ulcers and the development of thrombophlebitis. If the above symptoms appear, you should contact a medical professional and conduct an examination of the vascular system. If you are serious about strength sports, then pay attention to the following points:
- Factors contributing to an increase in the amount of blood circulating through the vessels, which include the use of hormonal drugs.
- Working in a standing position, which complicates the work of the veins and slows down the flow of blood.
- High-heeled shoes or underwear and clothing that can constrict blood vessels.
- Smoking and unhealthy diet.
Prevention of varicose veins
First of all, when symptoms of the disease appear, you need to increase the outflow of blood from the legs. You should try not to pinch the vessels with tight shoes or take an uncomfortable sitting position. Also try to walk instead of standing in one place for a long time.
When you come home from work, lie with your legs upside down for half an hour. If possible, do this throughout the day.
Contrast showers and swimming pools are good ways to increase the rate of blood circulation. They can be used not only for the prevention of the disease, but also as additional methods of its treatment.
Drug treatment is also possible. Before taking medication, you should consult your doctor. Now we will give as an example several types of drugs that can be used to treat varicose veins:
- Phleboprotectors - stabilize all components of the vein walls.
- Anticoagulants - reduce the viscosity of the blood and thereby reduce the risk of blood clots. These medications should only be started after consulting a doctor.
- Aspirin - the main purpose of the drug is to fight inflammatory processes, but it also has the ability to reduce the aggregation response of platelets.
In addition to drug treatment, mechanical methods can also be used:
- Compression underwear. It will be very useful if you have to spend a lot of time on your feet while working and playing sports. It is advisable to select the size of the linen with the participation of a doctor.
- Elastic bandages. If you do not have the opportunity to use compression garments, then it can be replaced with elastic bandages. At the same time, the use of elastic bandages requires some skill and experience in applying.
How to train with venous insufficiency?
If you find one of the symptoms mentioned above, then it is necessary to establish which of the possible factors caused this in a particular case. After identifying it, it must be eliminated, and you must act according to the following scheme:
- Consult with a phlebologist to assess the condition of your blood vessels. Check with your doctor how best for you to do sports now and choose compression underwear.
- Think carefully about which form you will now use during training. Remember that clothing should not pinch blood vessels. Bandages and knee pads should only be worn over compression garments. Applying a weightlifting belt can impair blood circulation and use it only when needed.
- When training legs, use those exercises in which the lower limbs are above the head. If the vein problems are serious, then squat and deadlift should be excluded from your exercise routine.
- Use a contrast shower (only for feet), and also start visiting the pool. In the evening at home, lie with your legs raised for half an hour.
See your doctor regularly so that you can quickly notice a worsening of the condition.
Learn about compression garments for venous insufficiency from this video:
