Can Sitting Indian Style Cause Varicose Veins? – Vein Myths Dispelled

Can Sitting Indian Style Cause Varicose Veins? – Vein Myths Dispelled

Can Sitting Indian Style Cause Varicose Veins? – Vein Myths Dispelled

There are some truly off base ideas stuck in many people’s minds when it comes to health. While we now have free access to the internet and a world of writing and ideas, not all of them are correct. It is important to watch who you listen to.

Because of this we wanted to set the record straight on how varicose veins do and do not form.

First let’s look at what varicose veins are. Veins help carry blood through out every part of our body, to every organ, to every limb. This flow creates pressure. Because of this pressure veins can become damaged or weakened if the pressure remains too high for too long. This is why monitoring your blood pressure is vital.

Once a vein is damaged, they can swell, back up, break, and pool. This is what produces varicose veins. Not only do they look unsightly, but they can cause pain. Aching, swelling, deep leg pain, that may also itch and even ulcerate. Varicose veins are best treated from the start. The longer you wait the more they are allowed to develop and the harder they become to treat.

Let’s get down to the question: Does crossing your legs or sitting Indian Style cause Varicose Veins?

The easy answer is NO. It is an old wives’ tale. The are a pure result of internal issues within the veins themselves. While crossing your legs may be uncomfortable and place more pressure on damaged veins, in and of itself it is not a cause.

What can put you at risk for developing Varicose Veins?

Genetics – This is, unfortunately, one of the biggest contributing factors in the development of varicose veins. Over 50% of all those who end up with varicose veins have a family history of it. Chances are if someone in your immediate family has vein issues, you may at some point need to deal with them too.

Pregnancy – varicose veins are caused due to pressure. Pregnancy adds extra weight temporarily to your frame that has to be carried. It puts extra strain on your circulatory system and leaves women at higher risk for developing varicose veins for 3 to 12 months even after delivery.

Carrying Extra Weight (Obesity) – As with pregnancy, carrying around extra body weight is hard on your body. Regular exercise helps keep extra weight off as well as circulation moving.

Smoking – Smoking can damage vein health and lead into varicose and spider veins down the road.

Excessive Drinking – Alcohol is not good for veins either. Like smoking, it increases heart rate and blood pressure. If you already have questionable pressure or vein damage this can push your body over the edge causing lasting damage.

So that should put one myth to rest. No, sitting with your legs crossed, in any manner, is not going to lead to varicose veins. We have laid out the causes and hope they help you stay healthy for many years to come.

Should you need a Vein Specialist in the Tampa, Florida/Safety Harbor, Florida area please give us a call at 727-712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more about our practice.