Running with DVT and/or varicose veins

MamaKeeks
MamaKeeks Posts: 234
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey
Wondering if there are any runners out there dealing with DVTs (deep vein thrombosis, blood clots) and/or severe varicose veins in their legs?
I have suffered bad veins for years, have undergone surgeries, etc. They are still painful and problematic.
I also have been diagnosed with DVTs (2008 and again this month) and am taking meds to manage them, but they of course remain a concern.
Many have told me I should just give up running. I can't.
Do any of you run with these conditions? How do you manage/accommodate? Has anyone used specific running compression products to help with this? Any recommendations? (i cannot run wearing my medically prescribed compression socks... they are brutally uncomfortable and ridiculous to run in.)
Any help appreciated.
Thx

Replies

  • KatC_88
    KatC_88 Posts: 101 Member
    I am so sorry, and major kudos on your determination! Have you tried the elliptical?
  • rydn4h2o
    rydn4h2o Posts: 255
    bump
  • pudadough
    pudadough Posts: 1,271 Member
    Bump.

    I would be interested to see answers as well. I have terrible varicose veins for someone my age.

    OP, just out of curiosity, what surgeries have you had? I am looking at ablation therapy for mine.
  • tlou5
    tlou5 Posts: 497 Member
    IF you are cleared for exercise by the dr have you considered running in water? The water acts as a compression and works in the same manner as the compression socks. Sounds goofy I know, but true.
  • eddie8131
    eddie8131 Posts: 600 Member
    Yes I've had severe varicosities in my legs and thighs for over 20 years. Had a PE (luckily while still in the hospital) in 1996 after getting my upper saphenous vein ligated (which I'm told they never do anymore). Anyways, other than the asthetics of it I run and bike and exercise without my stockings (which I have to wear at work, I have a desk job). I do like to wear socks with some ankle to them (I love the Underarmour crew socks). In fact it's my understanding that the stockings really help only when standing or sitting and that walking, biking, elliptical etc. where the legs are pumping all all therapeutic. My symptoms (mainly swollen ankles and legs and occasional phlebitis) ease as I lose weight but still happen. When I get to my goal weight I want to have surgery to correct them if possible. Please please don't give up running as long as your doctor is ok with it. Good luck!!
  • eddie8131
    eddie8131 Posts: 600 Member
    Bump.

    I would be interested to see answers as well. I have terrible varicose veins for someone my age.

    OP, just out of curiosity, what surgeries have you had? I am looking at ablation therapy for mine.

    Would be interested to hear too OP. Yeah I want the ablation too. But there are different techniques for different veins depending on whether its a straight vein or tortuous (curvy) like mine. Here's where I had my consultation at University of Michigan and it shows the different techniques.

    http://surgery.med.umich.edu/vascular/patient/disease-specific/venous/varicose_veins.shtml

Categories