Does crossing your legs cause varicose veins? Discover this and other myths about vascular problems
Varicose veins affect 50% of women and cause more than just aesthetic changes
Varicose veins affect around 50% of women and cause more than just aesthetic changes, they can damage quality of life and are even one of the main causes of time off work in Brazil. Even with so many cases, varicose veins are still the target of many myths that hinder early diagnosis of the vascular problem. We spoke to vascular surgeons Caio Focássio and Ivan Casella to clarify the myths and truths surrounding varicose veins.
First of all, it's important to clarify that the causes of varicose veins are not yet known. The genetic factor, i.e. a predisposition to the problem, is one of the identified causes. "Some people get varicose veins no matter what they do. If you have a very strong genetic propensity, you'll have the hereditary issue even without having done anything, without having any additional risk factors," explains Ivan Casella. "There's no formula to guarantee that you won't get it: in summer, it's more exuberant, it's normal for people to have more dilated vessels, even to help control the heat because you tend to drink more liquid and it becomes a little more obvious," continues the doctor.
Among the most common symptoms of varicose veins are pain, tiredness and swelling of the leg, especially in the ankle area. "The skin starts to become blotchy and in an extreme situation a wound or ulcer can even appear, which is quite unpleasant and difficult to heal," he explains.
One of the most common myths surrounding varicose veins is that crossing your legs can cause the problem. Crossing your legs is not the reason why varicose veins appear. According to Caio Focássio, spending a lot of time in the same position - standing or sitting - and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the appearance of varicose veins. "People who move little are more likely to develop varicose veins because venous return becomes more difficult. The calf needs to be stimulated and strengthened in order to send blood back to the heart and, when the person doesn't move, it doesn't contract to help with this venous return," says the doctor.
Excessive use of high heels can contribute to the appearance of varicose veins. "Continuous use of very high heels leads to a change in physiology, in the natural state in which the blood returns to the heart, and this can get in the way," says Ivan Casella. Dr. Focássio adds that the fact that the foot is incomplete due to the heel hinders blood circulation and requires greater vascular effort, which can cause varicose veins. "This condition also means that the step is not complete. As a result, the blood can't flow well and this can lead to varicose veins," he explains.
The use of contraceptives by women and pregnancy are also factors that contribute to the appearance of varicose veins. "Natural or orally ingested estrogen, such as contraceptives, increases vascular capillarity, so it's possible to make this association between its use and varicose veins," says Casella.
Although there is no definitive cure, a series of treatments can put an end to the most serious localized cases, as well as palliatives to prevent the disease from progressing. "Sclerotherapy is the technical term for drying out varicose veins. A liquid is injected into the veins to dry them out from the inside," says Dr. Casella. "The use of elastic stockings, or compression stockings, are excellent for containing the disease and preventing it from progressing," concludes the doctor.