If you or a loved one has recently had vein surgery, it’s important to keep your body moving and maintain a normal level of activity. While vein surgery is a simple laser procedure that doesn’t require hospitalization or general anesthesia, strenuous activity like high-impact aerobics, heavy weight training and Pilates should be avoided for at least the first week. Most people can resume walking right away and for at least 30 minutes a day. Not only does regular, low-impact activity improve muscle circulation, it also reduces the risk of blood clots.
Exercises you can do safely immediately following vein surgery
After vein surgery you can do a number of low-impact exercises, which are defined as activities in which at least one foot is in contact with the ground at all times. Here is a list of exercises you can do safely right after vein surgery:
- Walking
- Hiking
- Using a stationary bike, row machine, elliptical machine or stair climber
- Step aerobics
Exercises to avoid immediately following vein surgery
Talk to your doctor to find out when you can resume high-impact exercises, like these:
- Cross training
- Running
- Jumping jacks
- Weight lifting
- Zumba
Other things to consider following vein surgery
The first week following surgery you may experience minimal bruising or temporary soreness. If this occurs, Carolina Vein Specialists recommends placing a wrapped ice pack over the treated area (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off). It is also a best practice to elevate your treated leg or legs above your heart to help promote good blood flow.
However, very few patients of Carolina Vein Specialists report any discomfort at all. And that’s probably because, vein surgery, isn’t really surgery at all. If you want to love your legs again, our minimally invasive procedures can be completed quickly and safely right in our medical office. You can be in and out and on your way to beautiful legs on the same day.
The skilled physicians at Carolina Vein Specialists are professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins using leading edge, minimally invasive vein surgery techniques. Call 336-218-8346 if you have any questions about post-procedure instructions or find out how we can help eliminate your painful varicose veins.