Question:
I am an early 40's male runner/triathlete. My (inherited) varicose veins are beginning to appear on my shins and calves. At this point, they are not painful, nor do they restrict my activities, but I'm wondering about the long term effects. Does anyone have any clinical experience with the effects of varicose veins on running? Are there treatments or activities that are beneficial? Will running improve or worsen the condition over time?

Answer: -I've had varicose veins for 30 years and ran most of that time. My doctor favored not removing them since they do no damage and have not gotten any worse. I believe the running has actually preventing them from getting worse. Because of bad knees, I've now switched to bicycling and I believe that that exercise also helps the circulation and the veins. -Running won't make them worse, and it might improve the situation. It is believed that the muscular activity of exercise helps to pump blood in leg veins back to the trunk, which takes pressure off of the veins versus if blood just sat there and pooled. I don't think exercise will make them go away, but exercise will probably minimize further development. And exercise is good for a zillion other reasons, so I'm in favor of it! -I was told that my poor circulation in the lower legs, possibly a contributing factor to varicose veins, both inherited, could be helped by a) lying on my back with my feet up for 15 minutes (this feels good after a run anyway) and b) wearing Bauer and Black support hose, which are ugly beige things that look like super-strong nylon stockings. They compress your calf so blood doesn't pool there. I wouldn't wear these while running as they'd be hot and you'd wear them out ($$), but the rest of the day, as long as you don't mind how odd they look.