Many people have been told that if they cross their legs they will get varicose veins. The statement itself insinuates that crossing your legs is a direct cause of varicose veins. Fortunately, for those of us who like to cross our legs, this allegation is a myth. The short answer is, no, crossing your legs does not cause varicose veins. The long answer is a little more complicated.
While varicose veins are not caused by crossing your legs, if you already have a preexisting condition for varicose veins, crossing your legs can exacerbate the problem. Normal veins have one way valves that keep the blood flowing in one direction. These valves can become damaged over time. Once these valves become damaged the blood can pool within the veins causing the veins to bulge and become varicose veins. This cannot be caused by crossing your legs.
Causes can include: pregnancy, obesity, increased age, standing jobs and a family history of varicose veins. If you have pain, swelling, achiness, fatigue, tiredness or heaviness in your legs, it may be a symptom of varicose veins.
The good news is that varicose veins are completely treatable. There are many different types of treatments and the best course should be decided by your vein specialist. If you think you have varicose veins and they seem to be exacerbated by crossing your legs, make an appointment with Dr. Vinay Madan, MD, DABVLM at the Center for Varicose Veins to determine the best course of treatment for your veins.
