Varicose Vein Myths: Crossing Your Legs
Do you have varicose veins?
You’ve probably heard that crossing your legs is to blame, or at least makes them worse.
Varicose veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and appear in men or women of any age. Women of childbearing age who have a family history of varicose veins or stand for long hours during the day are most frequently affected.
Because of the unpleasant nature of varicose veins, many individuals try to correct behavior that they believe could lead to vein disorders.
Over the years, crossed legs have developed a bad reputation as a contributing factor for varicose veins or spider veins, especially those around the thigh area.
So the question is: do crossed legs cause varicose veins, or is this a myth?
Varicose Vein Myths: Crossing Your Legs
There is no data to support the idea that crossed legs causes or aggravates varicose veins or the appearance of spider veins.
Sitting for long periods can lead to venous pooling in the legs due to faulty vein valves, but research shows that crossed legs are not a factor.
Keeping legs crossed in one position for hours at a time could theoretically contribute to a venous disorder. Most individuals move their legs to keep comfortable, however, which allows the calf muscle to pump. Frequent changes in position or getting up to walk may prevent the buildup of pressure that may lead to vein problems. The calves act as muscle pumps and in addition to functioning valves, help to return blood back to the pelvic veins and ultimately for re-circulation by the heart. Prolonged sitting may allow blood to pool in the legs with an increase in venous pressure which may result in spider veins and varicose veins becoming more visible.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a result of faulty valves in the veins of the legs. The valves in healthy veins shut as blood moves from the extremities to the heart, preventing backflow.
When the valves no longer create a seal, blood moves backwards in the vein toward the feet, causing excessive pressure in the remaining valves. This causes other vein channels to open up in the form of varicose veins.
Veins with faulty valves enlarge and bulge out as blood collects in the vein and is slow to return for recirculation via the deep system of veins. Varicose veins are often accompanied by symptoms like leg fatigue, aching calves, cramps, restless legs and swelling of the leg or ankle.
Long periods of sitting or standing, weight gain, pregnancy, and pre-existing genetic issues can cause or exacerbate varicose veins. However, crossed legs do not cause varicose veins.
Preventative Best Practices
While there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins, regularly practicing good habits can improve leg circulation and vein health.
These best practices can slow the development of existing varicose veins and reduce the risk of developing additional vein problems.
One way is to avoid long periods of standing or sitting, and wear compression stockings during pregnancy or lengthy travel time.
Regular exercise is beneficial, as toned muscles will improve blood flow.
Watching your weight, and a high-fiber, low-salt diet is also helpful in improving blood flow in your extremities. Elevating your legs can also alleviate pressure caused by existing varicose veins. Although elevation will provide symptom relief, this does not treat the underlying cause of vein disease.
Varicose Vein Treatments
If you have varicose veins, minimally invasive treatments that require little downtime are available and usually covered by insurance.
Call (949) 364-0080 or email OC VeinCare to schedule your free vein screening today.