Could using an eliptical cause varicose veins?

No: The risk factors for development of vv are heredity, aging, pregnancy, lifestyle with prolonged standing/sitting, obesity. Exercise, elevation of legs, and compression hose are good conservative ways to help cope with the symptoms of leg swelling, pain, seen with vv.

Maybe: I agree that the risk factors for development of varicose veins as above. In heredity cases, patients are born with incompetent one way valves with prevent the venous blood from flowing backward down the extremities. Increased abdominal pressure with forceful exercise can cause the superficial veins to be under extreme pressure due to the lack of vavular function. Consider compression stockings.

Less likely: Low impact aerobics less likely to cause varicose veins.

NO: Exercise is actually healthy for your circulation & there is no evidence that cardiovascular exercise (including use of eliptical) will cause or increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins. These veins are a genetic problem with valves within the leg veins & they will develop over time regardless of activity level or exercise. Pregnancy, obesity, and trauma can make them come on sooner.