Do tight clothes cause varicose veins?

Do tight fitting clothing (Bike Shorts, compression shorts) contribute to varicose or spider veins?  Thanks!

3 answers to “Do tight clothes cause varicose veins?”

A: Tight clothing does not cause varicose veins

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD

The previous answer doesn't make sense at all because we ask people to wear compression garments to reduce development of spider and reticular veins. So, tight pants will not cause spider and varicose veins. You would have to be a hip hopper and wear your pants at the level of the groin to cause venous... more

A: Possible for tight clothes to cause varicose veins

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Anything that obstructs blood return from the legs causes increased back pressure, and this could lead to vericose veins and spider veins. Also, standing in one place without moving your leg muscles will contribute to this as well.

A: Varicose veins and tight fitting clothing

Bryan K. Chen, MD

I could see how tight clothing around the thighs (probably depends how tight) might actually contribute to varicose veins. The reason why gravity is such a big factor in promoting varicose veins is the increased pressure within the blood vessels of the lower extremities. Tight clothing around the thighs... more

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