Does wearing high heels result in spider veins around the ankles

I'm worried about my circulation.

Answers from doctors (10)


There is no direct correlation between high heels and veins around the ankle. Vein disease is related to genetics, weight, pregnancy, and a host of other factors.

Answered by Varicose Vein Laser Center & Med Spa (View Profile)

There is no direct correlation between high heels and veins around the ankle. Vein disease is related to genetics, weight, pregnancy, and a host of other factors.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 26, 2018

No, high heels have no effect on developing spider veins. These types of veins are typically inherited, so take a look at your parents, grandparents, aunts, siblings etc. They can be treated with sclerotherapy injections and/or laser and are considered cosmetic.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

No, high heels have no effect on developing spider veins. These types of veins are typically inherited, so take a look at your parents, grandparents, aunts, siblings etc. They can be treated with sclerotherapy injections and/or laser and are considered cosmetic.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 30, 2010

The venous return in the legs is dependent on the calf muscle contraction (called the calf muscle pump) and the potency of the venous valves. Wearing high heels may affect the calf muscle pump, so there is the potential for this to lead to vein issues. However, I have never seen anything written to prove this so I would say continue to wear your high heels.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The venous return in the legs is dependent on the calf muscle contraction (called the calf muscle pump) and the potency of the venous valves. Wearing high heels may affect the calf muscle pump, so there is the potential for this to lead to vein issues. However, I have never seen anything written to prove this so I would say continue to wear your high heels.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 24, 2010

We do recommend to patients to try to minimize the amount or duration of wearing high heels whenever possible. Although high heels do not specifically lead to spider veins at the ankles, their chronic use can lead to overall vein problems. The reason is that high heels minimize the full range of motion of the foot and ankle when walking, and therefore decrease the amount of flow by what is called the "muscle pump" of the calf. This can lead to an increase in venous pooling in the limb, and eventually to vein problems.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

We do recommend to patients to try to minimize the amount or duration of wearing high heels whenever possible. Although high heels do not specifically lead to spider veins at the ankles, their chronic use can lead to overall vein problems. The reason is that high heels minimize the full range of motion of the foot and ankle when walking, and therefore decrease the amount of flow by what is called the "muscle pump" of the calf. This can lead to an increase in venous pooling in the limb, and eventually to vein problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Feb 23, 2010

No. There is no evidence that high heels causes any problems other than potentially sore feet.

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Answered by Miller Vein

No. There is no evidence that high heels causes any problems other than potentially sore feet.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Feb 21, 2010

High heels may contribute some. Difficult to say. But the larger problem is simply a genetic one. You inherit your leg veins.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

High heels may contribute some. Difficult to say. But the larger problem is simply a genetic one. You inherit your leg veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Venous Disease - Glendale

Published on Feb 18, 2010

Please schedule an appointment to discuss with our doctors. If you have numerous spider veins, you'll need an ultrasound to determine whether you have venous disease (valve reflux) or just need sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Center for Venous Disease - Glendale

Please schedule an appointment to discuss with our doctors. If you have numerous spider veins, you'll need an ultrasound to determine whether you have venous disease (valve reflux) or just need sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Feb 18, 2010

Wearing high heels is definitely not good for your venous system. However, spider veins do not have any impact on your circulation.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Wearing high heels is definitely not good for your venous system. However, spider veins do not have any impact on your circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 17, 2010

Not that I'm aware of, but it's likely bad for your foot and ankle however (the bones and ligaments).

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Not that I'm aware of, but it's likely bad for your foot and ankle however (the bones and ligaments).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


HealthQare Associates of Northern Virginia

Published on Feb 17, 2010

There are no definitive studies to suggest that high heal are the cause of spider veins.

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Answered by HealthQare Associates of Northern Virginia

There are no definitive studies to suggest that high heal are the cause of spider veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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