August 22, 2019

Varicose Veins: 7 Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Learn the truth about their causes and treatments

Varicose Veins: 7 Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Nobody wants bulging, purple varicose veins on their legs or ankles. However, about half of adults have them, and they become more prevalent with age.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

What causes varicose veins and what can you do about them? Many people think they know, but vascular surgeon Kathleen Boyle, DO, sets the record straight. How many of these seven myths have you believed?

Myth 1: Crossing your legs causes varicose veins.

“No,” says Dr. Boyle. “Crossing legs does not cause varicose veins. Neither does wearing tight shoes or tight pants — although these things can exacerbate varicose veins if you already have them.”

While increased pressure can cause blood to pool inside a vein and make the vein bulge, it’s not external pressure that does it. (Besides that, tight clothing and leg crossing produce only minimal pressure.) It’s more likely due to defective valves in your veins or weakened vein walls.

Myth 2: Pregnancy causes varicose veins.

“Pregnancy can exacerbate varicose veins, but it doesn’t cause them,” says Dr. Boyle. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, varicose veins that become noticeable during pregnancy usually fade after delivery.

Advertisement

Myth 3: If your family members have varicose veins, you will too.

Just because your parents or grandparents had varicose veins doesn’t mean you will. Varicose veins run in the family for only half of all people who have them.

Myth 4: Massage can cure varicose veins.

“Massage may help reduce swelling or discomfort, but will not make varicose veins go away,” says Dr. Boyle. However, there are proven ways to treat them, especially when they’re causing symptoms, such as:

  • Swollen legs, ankles and feet.
  • Muscle cramps, throbbing, soreness, or aching in the legs.
  • Legs that feel “heavy.”

Treatment options include sclerotherapy (injections) and laser therapy, both which can make veins disappear.

Myth 5: If you pursue advanced treatment for varicose veins, you won’t need to wear compression stockings.

“That’s false,” says Dr. Boyle. “Insurance companies require that you try compression stockings first, before having other treatments. Also, some patients who have treatment need to wear stockings during recovery, for up to six weeks.”

Advertisement

Myth 6: Women should wait to treat varicose veins until they’re done having children.

“Actually, it isn’t necessary to wait,” says Dr. Boyle. “Women may benefit from having early treatment, even before becoming pregnant.”

Myth 7: Tattoos are bad for varicose veins.

According to Dr. Boyle, there’s no relationship between the two.

Can you avoid getting varicose veins altogether?

The truth is, you may not be able to avoid varicose veins. But you can delay their onset or make them less pronounced. Dr. Boyle shares two important tips:

  1. Maintain a healthy weight. “Being overweight definitely does increase pressure in your veins and can increase your risk of getting varicose veins or worsen their appearance,” she says.
  2. Wear compression stockings if you stand for long periods of time. Otherwise, take frequent breaks to sit down, elevating your legs when possible. If you sit for long periods, move your legs or stand up every now and then. Regular exercise can help improve circulation and vein health.

Related Articles

Older couple talk while leisurely walk across a bridge
February 29, 2024
Can You Exercise After a Heart Attack?

Absolutely! In fact, in many ways, exercise is key to recovery

Person having a heart attack in background, close up of hand calling 911 on cell phone in foreground
February 28, 2024
Can You Stop a Heart Attack Once It Starts?

There’s no way to stop it once a heart attack is happening, but the most important thing you can do is to call for help

Person enjoying container of assorted fruit
February 28, 2024
How To Protect Your Heart When You Have Prediabetes

You can counter the risk of prediabetes-related heart attack or stroke by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as exercising regularly

Blood pressure cuff on arm and blood pressure-reading device
February 27, 2024
Here’s What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

An ideal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic

Person taking heart health quiz on a clipboard
February 26, 2024
How Healthy Is Your Heart? Take This Quiz To Find Out

Age, sex and genetics are just a few factors that can affect your risk of developing coronary heart disease

Cholesterol blocking blood flow in artery
February 26, 2024
What It Means if You Have ‘Sticky’ Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) cholesterol are more likely to stick to your arteries and lead to dangerous heart events

Doctor shaking hands with patient, with large heart and EKG line behind them
February 19, 2024
How Weight Affects Your Heart

Having underweight, having overweight and having obesity can be dangerous for your heart

Adult male using rowing machine at gym
February 16, 2024
Why Exercise Matters for Your Heart Health

Exercise lowers risk for heart conditions, improves mental health and reduces visceral fat that can compromise your organs

Trending Topics

White bowls full of pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and various kinds of nuts
25 Magnesium-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating

A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium

Woman feeling for heart rate in neck on run outside, smartwatch and earbuds
Heart Rate Zones Explained

A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat

Spoonful of farro salad with tomato
What To Eat If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes

Ad