North Atlanta Vascular Clinic and Vein Center
3/2/2023
Varicose veins can be a nightmare, and one may go to extremes to conceal them. They may even prevent you from wearing shorts or swimsuits or flaunting your favorite attire. More than 23% of adults in the U.S. have varicose veins, making them pretty common.
Varicose veins can be triggered by various reasons and cause pain, complications, stiffness, cramping, and inflammation. But does crossing legs cause varicose veins? People have long believed that sitting with your legs crossed is unhealthy. It is alleged to be the root cause of high blood pressure, varicose veins, and pregnancy-related delivery problems.
Here's the rundown on the cross-legged sitting position and how it can cause varicose veins!
There is no solid evidence that crossed legs result in spider veins. Yet, there is a direct link between crossing your legs and the development of varicose veins. This relationship results from the pressure varicose veins endure when they are overworked. Moreover, crossing one leg over the other might limit blood flow, accumulating excess blood that stretches out the overworked veins.
Crossing the legs could become problematic for a large vein known as the popliteal vein that passes through the back bend of the knee. The volume of blood flowing towards the back of our legs can be diminished if we apply too much compression to that vein by crossing our legs for a long time. It may eventually impact our vein health and raise the risk of blood clots and the development of spider veins.
While crossing legs may increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins, there is also a probability that it may have a minor role in the much more deadly condition known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. DVTs are internal clots that form deep within the body. Crossing your legs may raise your risk of developing a DVT. According to some studies, DVTs are typically linked to prolonged immobility, such as sitting in the same position for a long time.
People often question- does crossing legs cause spider veins. However, besides developing varicose veins, crossing legs can promote a variety of other dangers as
Cross-legged sitting might generate a brief rise in blood pressure due to compression of the vessels in the leg.
Extended spells of standing and sitting might damage the vein valves, which raises the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
Your pelvis may spin and tilt if you sit cross-legged for a long period. This results in lower back pain.
Crossing your legs for prolonged periods can result in peroneal nerve palsy, which develops when the legs are crossed and sustained in that posture for a long duration.
Here are some easy steps to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins
Exercises such as walking or jogging can enhance blood flow to the legs and prevent vein dysfunction.
Obesity and the emergence of varicose veins are highly correlated. More weight puts pressure on the legs and makes it harder for veins to pump blood to the heart adequately. Thus, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to our daily life.
Long-term standing or sitting can dramatically damage the walls of blood vessels in your lower extremities, causing vein dysfunction and a rise in vascular resistance in both the legs and feet.
Smoking has numerous negative effects, including high blood pressure, which can lead to the development of varicose veins.
If your varicose veins are causing discomfort or you are anxious about inflammation or clots, consult a specialist at North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center. We strive to produce the best outcomes with the shortest recovery time, whether you need relief from pain, restlessness, or the tackiness of varicose veins. A same-day appointment is available. Book your slot today.
Content Source: AHA Journals
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