While sitting can create greater pressure in the lower extremities, crossing your legs will slow the circulation even further. If legs want to be crossed, they should be crossed at the ankles only. Crossing at the knees not only causes increased pressure and increases the risk of closing the veins, but it also negatively impacts any problems with the knees and hips.
Those with a genetic predisposition to varicose veins, or have some chronic swelling in the lower legs already, it is helpful to sleep with a few pillows under the feet in order to keep them elevated above the level of the heart. One should look for shoes that have lower heels that require the calf muscles to do more work. Some of the new tennis shoes, now being produced for women who want to increase their caloric burn while walking, are also helpful for women and men who want to treat and prevent varicose veins.