Summer is the time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. However, varicose veins can make you feel less than ready to embrace the summer months, either due to embarrassment over their appearance or uncomfortable symptoms that prevent you from enjoying summer activities to the fullest. Now, you can make the most of the summer months while benefiting your varicose veins, with these summer activities that are as good for your veins as they are for your body.

Walking
Now is the perfect time to take in a few hikes in your area or enjoy regular strolls around the neighborhood. Walking is a low-impact activity that gives the calf muscles a good workout. When the calves flex, they help the veins in the lower legs move blood back up to the heart, taking the pressure off the veins and maintaining healthy pressure and circulation. Walking is also an appropriate activity for all fitness levels, allowing you to increase your intensity and challenge with new routes and a faster pace when you are ready to advance.

Swimming
Hopping into the pool this time of year is not only refreshing; it is also an effective, low-impact way to work the calf muscles and relieve the stress on lower leg veins. Swimming puts no stress on your joints while improving blood circulation throughout the body. Swimming also prevents you from packing on extra pounds during the summer season, which can add pressure to the vascular system and increase your risk of varicose veins.

Biking
Bicycles are a wonderful way to get around during the summer months, giving your legs a full workout while helping you get from one location to the next. Whether you choose to use your bike in place of your car for errands around town, or take your two wheels on an adventurous trek down your favorite hiking trails, your body is sure to benefit from this fun activity. Like walking and swimming, biking is a low-impact sport that keeps your joints intact even while your body gets a good workout.

Hitting the Hammock
Once you have worked those legs sufficiently, take some time to kick them up in your backyard hammock for some real summer relaxation. Elevating your legs and feet, particularly after a busy day, is an excellent way to encourage healthy circulation and give those hard-working veins in the lower legs a much-deserved rest.

Caring for your varicose veins during the summer months does not have to mean avoiding the great outdoors completely. If current varicose veins are keeping you from enjoying your summer recreation, Incredible Veins Skin & Body offers a variety of minimally-invasive treatments to eliminate your varicose veins and get you back in action. To learn more, contact our Encino office at 818-446-2995.