Expert: Dr George Tsatsos - 10/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi- I am an overweight adult (5"8 and 200 lbs) and I am trying to lose weight by eating right and exercising. I also have varicose veins. I am wondering what you would suggest in terms of an exercise schedule. Would it be dangerous for me to run at my weight? Should I start off by walking? What is the distance you would recommend for me to walk/run? Any help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: First of all CONGRATULATIONS! on trying to do something.
The best exercises are pool exercises. That takes weight off your feet,knees,hips and lower back.
The physical exertion of moving through a pool is also tiring.
Get support hose for the varicose veins! The mildest compression that works will do. Powder them with Talc to allow easy on and off. That said I know that they are a pain to put on-but they are the Cheapest and most Effective ounce of cure worth many pounds it's weight! An episode of phlebitis can land you in the hospital. Check our website online store for the compression hose
http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/tsatsos/store/search.asp
If you are concerned have the veins looked at.
Start with good supportive shoes and work up to a brisk walk for 45 minutes. That will give you some additional calorie burning after you stop. Make sure you do 10 minutes of warm-ups and 5-10 minutes of warm down(slow walking and stretching)-for a total of an hour of activity 5-6 times a week. Try to increase to an hour and a half. If you get arch pain try some temporary arch supports, or orthotics/orthoses from your podiatrist.
Take your diet seriously. A fat piece of cake that can be eaten in 10 minutes can take 4 hours of the above exercise to burn off!
Get a partner and professional input to help with the diet. A dietitian is fine
Diet is more important than exercise. Stay away from hype.
Good Luck!
We give second opinions.
Hope this helps!

Dr George Tsatsos
Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New Chicago South Loop Location
AnkleNFoot.com

NOT MED ADVICE-ANY PAIN,SYMPTOMS OR CONCERNS CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
JUST INFO FOR ALL

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for much for all the information. The only other thing I am wondering about is running- Because I have varicose veins would it be dangerous for me to run even after I lost a lot of weight? If no, how much weight should I lose before I start a running program?

Answer
Thank-you for your kind feedback!!!
You can start running now-unless you have other health problems.
Remember the warm ups and warm downs and lots of stretching.
Adjust your speed to be able to run about 45 minutes to bring up your metabolic rate.
Stay hydrated and dress appropriately for the weather.
Actually running with the compression hose may help with the varicose veins.
Varicose veins are dangerous when they fill with blood and you are not moving-like sitting at a desk all day. Getting up and moving around causes the muscles to "pump" the blood out of the veins
Hope this helps!

Dr George Tsatsos
Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New Chicago South Loop Location
AnkleNFoot.com

NOT MED ADVICE-ANY PAIN,SYMPTOMS OR CONCERNS CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY
JUST INFO FOR ALL