I'm worried about my circulation.
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
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
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
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
No. There is no evidence that high heels causes any problems other than potentially sore feet.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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
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
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
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
There are no definitive studies to suggest that high heal are the cause of spider veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012