Regular exercise is the best way to keep the muscles toned, the blood flowing, and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins.

Gym goers and fitness enthusiasts often find their veins popping out after a good workout session. In the same way, seasoned weightlifters have prominent veins on their arms, legs and other body parts. “Many people show this off as a sign of good fitness, but does the exertion of the vascular system lead to varicose veins?” asked a First Check reader. 

The answer is no. Vascularity does not cause varicose veins. On the contrary, engaging in practices that lead to vascularity, namely, exercising and being fit can help reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. 

To truly understand the answer, it’s important to get the fundamentals right. The bulging of veins during exercise is a normal physiological response to increased blood pressure and muscle activity. This phenomenon is referred to as vascularity in the fitness world. It occurs when the veins are pushed closer to the skin’s surface due to the swelling of surrounding muscles.

Varicose veins, on the other hand, are swollen, twisted veins that appear blue, purple or flesh-coloured, and are often visible just under the skin’s surface. They typically develop on the legs, either on the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg, when the one-way valves inside the veins weaken, allowing blood to flow backwards and pool in the veins. This causes the veins to swell and twist, becoming more visible under the skin. 

Varicose veins are reported in up to 30 per cent of the general population, with significantly increased rates among women and older people. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like skin ulcers, bleeding, and thrombosis. Treatment options include compression stockings, sclerotherapy, endovenous or radiofrequency ablation, and surgery.

In terms of prevention, regular exercise is the best way to keep the muscles toned, the blood flowing, and the weight under control. Prolonged standing or sitting is not recommended.

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