Do Tight Clothes Cause Varicose Veins?

Tight clothing is not the main cause of varicose veins.  Varicose veins are caused by genetics, occupation, venous reflux, the environment, trauma, and hormonal changes in the body. 

Years ago when women wore constricting girdles, these theoretically could have caused enough constant constriction to cause an increase in venous back pressure and ultimately the formation of varicose veins.  In reality, however, the cause of varicose veins is due to malfunctioning (leaking) valves of usually the saphenous system. Constricting garments will not cause valve damage to result in varicose vein formation.

are not a specific causative factor for varicose veins but if these clothes restrict blood flow, over time you may notice that veins develop distally (further down) in the leg.

soccer players that use a tight elastic band to hold up their shin pads significantly increase the back pressure in the superficial veins of the lower leg.  this can certainly over time cause increased incidence of veins.

pants or clothing that is tight in the groin could also possibly cause this but there is no evidence to date.  this would be an interesting study to undertake though.

great question

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