Keep On Moving... Varicose Veins and Sport

Athletic people particularly runners and cyclists frequently present to our clinics in Brisbane and Toowoomba with varicose veins. This is to be expected because of the huge increase in load on the venous system in the legs during intense physical activity which can damage the vein walls in people with a predisposition to varicose veins.

At The Leg Vein Doctor we see a number of patients that have deferred treatment of varicose veins for too long so as to avoid interfering with their sporting schedule. The more prolonged the delay is in treating varicose veins then the higher the risk that microcellular damage to the skin around the lower leg and ankles will occur. In the long term there is a risk of the skin ulcerating – “Varicose ulcers”.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) or Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) are walk-in/walk out, non-invasive treatments offered at The Leg Vein Doctor.  They are clinic based procedures which don’t require hospitalisation and therefore easier to schedule into a busy life.  They have been likened to ‘keyhole’ varicose vein surgery.  Down time is negligible as there is no admission to hospital and no general anaesthetic.  You are back on your feet for a 30 minute walk immediately after the procedure and you can then drive home. Upper body weights can continue following treatment as can low impact exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga and pilates. Short intensity running and cycling can recommence usually within at fortnight as long as the patient is cautious and remains alert to their body.

At the initial consultation you will be provided with a treatment plan which is valid for 12 months. Our reception team will happily work with you to find appointment dates that fit around your training schedule and events calendar.

Please visit our Youtube channel www.youtube.com/thelegveindoctor if you are looking for exercises that can help alleviate discomfort in your legs.