Will You Take Them Standing, Or Sitting Down?

There are many factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins, including genetics, obesity, gender, and lifestyle. Each person with varicose veins has their own “blueprint” of factors that led the way to vein dysfunction. While you certainly didn’t check the yes box next to “willingness to develop varicose veins” when you chose your career, it’s true that people working in certain occupations should pay extra attention to their risk of developing varicose veins.

When blood flowing from the legs upwards to the heart is interrupted—either due to weak or deformed vein valves or poor muscle use—gravity can allow it to flow backwards and pool, causing varicose veins over time. Long periods of sitting or standing adds to gravity’s pull and can contribute to poor blood flow from the legs towards the heart.

So, if your daily routine finds you consistently either sitting in your seat or standing on your feet, your occupation may be taking a toll on the health of your veins. The following professions may pose a higher risk than others for developing or aggravating varicose veins:

Nurses/Pharmacists

Nurses are typically on their feet all day, and while they may get short walks from the waiting room to the examination room, back to back appointments keep them on their toes. The same goes for pharmacists who stand during all their daily tasks, with only short steps from counter to their work station.

Hairstylists

Stylists stand on hard surfaces for hours at a time. Because their clients are seated, there’s not always ample opportunity for them to walk from one place to another frequently.

Cashiers

Again, this occupation requires standing for long periods of time with minimal leg movement, making the veins work harder to pump blood to the heart. Stressed veins are more susceptible to wear and tear.

Office Workers

Sitting for hours at a time, often with legs crossed for women, can slow the circulatory and vascular systems.

Teachers, production line or factory workers, bankers, delivery men and women, retail workers, and airline stewards are also among those professionals who may be at increased risk for developing varicose veins. A research study appearing in the IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences in 2013 indicated that working posture was one of the most significant risk factors of varicose veins, with standing occupations posing the greatest risk. But keep in mind that varicose veins usually develop due to a variety of factors—such as genetics, gender, age, pregnancy, obesity—along with working posture, and the combination is unique for each person.

Elevating the legs above heart level for twenty minutes three times a day if possible can give your circulatory system a boost. If you’re sitting most of the day, don’t cross your legs and if possible prop your feet on a step stool. If you’re standing most of the day, try to do calf raises by standing on your tiptoes from time to time, or work in five to ten squats when you have the chance.

Some people in these professions also wear compression stockings in an effort to prevent varicose veins if they don’t have them, or slow their progression if they do. Premier Vein Clinics offers compression stockings, so if you’re on your feet or in your seat for long periods call us at 865-588-8229 to learn how we can help.

Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville is committed to making your treatment comfortable while achieving the best possible outcomes. We are conveniently located in our new facility at 6408 Papermill Drive, off exit 383. If your procedure is already scheduled we look forward to serving you and if not, schedule your initial consultation today.