Exercises for varicose
veins
1 الصفحة Exercises for varicose veins
Management
I- Conservative
1-Avoid prolonged standing, prolonged sitting
and obesity.
2-Shower or bath in the evening.
3-Apply well-fitted below the knee support
stockings (20-40 mmHg) before ambulating in the
morning.
4-Elevate the feet 10-15 minutes for 3-4 times daily.
II Physical therapy
1-positioning.
2-Intermittent compression.
3-Bandaging.
4-Burger's Exercises.
1-Positioning
A-The patient should lie on the bed with both lower limbs
elevated as in the first figure, while the other position is difficult
for some patient to get into it, especially during pregnancy.
B-20 minutes at least twice daily.
C-Resting in this position may reduce edema by removing the
gravitational effect and reducing venous hypertension.
D-Moderate elevation can be used during bandaging or stoking wear or release during
massage, air compression and exercises.
2-Intermittent compression
Pneumatic units (compression pumps) are designed to reduce edema by giving
controlled, alternating external pressure.
Intermittent compression reduces edema by moving excess
interstitial fluid to sites of normal lymphatic or venous
drainage.
Pressure needs to be higher distally and lower proximally.
2 الصفحة Exercises for varicose veins
Pressure may decrease pain and improve range of motion (secondary by decreasing
swelling).
3-Bandaging
Correct bandaging is very important
in the management of edema,
augmentation the muscle pump
mechanism, and supporting
distended veins.
Pressure needs to be higher distally
and lower proximally.
Burger's Exercises
1-The patient lies supine with the legs supported in elevation (at an angle of 45° to
60° to horizontal) until the occurrence of foot blanching. (normally from 1-2
minutes).
The aim to help venous return and judge the powerful effect of the arterial system to
overcome the effect of the gravity on the arterial supply
2-The patient sites up with the legs dependent until the skin color is bright red
(rubor).(normally 10 seconds for rubor and 15 seconds for the superficial veins to
fill).
The aim to improve blood rushing to the extremities and also to improve the
collaterals
3-The patient lies with the legs horizontal until the skin color return to normal (pinky)
normally about five minutes for the pink and to warmth of the skin to occur
The aim to judge the rapidity of the fluid exchange between the capillary's wall and
the extravascular tissues.
Secondly to judge about the time needed for feeling of the rest.
Indication of improvement are
1-Increased time for the appearance of blanching.
2- Decreased time for rubour and filling of superficial veins.
3-Decreased time for normal coloration and warmth.
3 الصفحة Exercises for varicose veins