Gnarly Varicose Veins

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Dear Barbell Medicine,

I’ve developed some pretty prominent varicose veins on my calf as well as my upper inner left thigh. They are tender, and after a heavy squat session become quite painful. Is this something I need to be concerned about, and do I need to alter my training? Current Covid situations makes me reluctant to see a doctor just yet, so would you recommend taking a break from squats for the time being?

Appreciate all your content - convinced my parents to start running the beginner prescription, and they are loving it.

Tom

2

Tough to say without examining them. If you have no pain outside the context of immediately post-training that doesn’t really raise flags for anything concerning, but if they’re that bothersome to you it seems like getting a consultation is appropriate. I don’t think it’s necessary to stop squatting unless the symptoms are so bothersome as to outweigh the benefits you get from training.