Varicose veins: Can hot tubs make them worse?

Is it true that people with varicose veins shouldn't use hot tubs?

- Staci / Ohio

Mayo Clinic hypertension specialist Sheldon Sheps, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Not necessarily. Sitting for long periods of time and exposure to hot water — such as in a hot tub — can temporarily increase vein engorgement and discomfort. But there's no evidence that hot tubs permanently worsen varicose veins.

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