Can Your Job Lead to a Higher Risk of Varicose Veins?
When picking a career, many factors go into that decision. These might include pay, location, the work itself, etc. However, an important decision that may not be as prevalent when deciding on a job is if it comes with a higher risk for varicose veins and other vein diseases. Many of these jobs often require long periods of standing or sitting, which can lead to blood pooling and the formation of varicose veins. Let’s discuss what common jobs are most likely to lead to varicose veins and what you can do to prevent them from happening.
What are varicose veins and what causes them?
Blood goes from our heart to our tissues via arteries and veins. Blood is pushed away from the heart by thick-walled arteries, which are designed to transport oxygenated blood to our tissues. The veins then return deoxygenated blood to the heart, where it is filled with oxygen once again. Flaps inside the veins open and close to allow blood to flow upward before closing up and pumping blood back to the heart. When those valves lose their strength, blood cannot flow properly and instead builds up within the vein, causing it to grow in size and protrude above its natural position. This is known as a varicose vein.
Varicose veins are swollen or twisted veins that can be seen just under the skin. They will often look purple, red, or blue in color. Varicose veins are most often found on the legs, but they can also occur in other parts of the body. While varicose veins are often painless, they can sometimes cause aching, throbbing, swelling, or cramps. If that is the case or if any worse symptoms arise, please see a vein specialist or your regular doctor right away depending on the severity of the issue.
Some of the factors that may increase your risk of developing varicose veins include:
Jobs that require prolonged periods of standing or sitting
Obesity
Pregnancy
Aging
Genetics
What jobs are more likely to lead to varicose veins
As we have mentioned, one of the lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of varicose veins is occupation. Just based on what is required during the course of the work day, certain jobs are more likely to lead to varicose veins than others.
Some of the jobs that are most likely to lead to varicose veins include jobs that require a lot of standing or sitting for long periods of time. Jobs that involve a lot of physical activity can also lead to varicose veins, as can jobs that require a lot of travel. Jobs that involve exposure to heat or cold may also increase the risk of varicose veins.
Examples of these jobs may include:
Education
Teachers and instructors spend hours on their feet in classes, then sit down for hours grading papers, developing lesson plans, and creating a curriculum. These situations put educators at risk of developing varicose veins. Teachers may also have an increased risk of varicose veins if they become pregnant or if they wear tight clothing or items such as high heels.
Hospitality, Beauty and Retail Workers
Career hairdressers over the age of 45 who worked more than 10 hours a day were at an increased risk for varicose veins, according to one study. Store greeters, hotel employees, and retail employees are other job types that involve a lot of standing. Varicose veins may develop while standing continuously for long periods of time in front of a cash register, inside a supermarket's entrance, or behind a hotel desk.
Medical Field
Studies suggest that nurses have an increased risk of developing varicose veins, specifically ward nurses, because they spend so many hours on their feet, often working shifts that last well beyond eight hours. Doctors who perform lengthy surgeries are also at risk due to the need to stand for extended periods of time.
Office workers
Office workers or those who work in the computer field—especially in a busy office situation—might sit for hours on end. Some office workers don’t even break for lunch and find themselves eating at their desks which may be more efficient but can be costly health-wise. Information technology professionals who spend their time remotely accessing other computers for repair or maintenance often find themselves in the same situation as they are on call for extended periods of time without having to get up to physically repair a device.
Transportation
Long-haul bus and truck drivers as well as ride-share and cab drivers are particularly prone to developing varicose veins. Long-distance drivers spend long periods of time sitting, often without breaks which can lead to them sitting for almost their whole shift and for extended hours throughout the day. This continuous period of sitting can lead to blood pooling in the veins which can cause varicose veins.
What can you do to prevent varicose veins?
While it may be difficult to avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time while in your job, switching between the two at periodic points in the day may help dramatically. Try and schedule breaks for various points in the day and either sit or stand for a brief period to break up what you had been doing. This will help get the blood flowing through your veins.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also a great way to prevent varicose veins. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins, which can lead to varicose veins. Exercising regularly and eating a proper diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, and they have other health benefits as well.
Wearing compression stockings can also help prevent varicose veins. These stockings apply pressure to your legs, which helps keep the blood flowing properly. If you’re going to be doing a lot of sitting or standing, wearing compression stockings can be a good idea.
Elevating your legs when you can also help keep the flow of blood moving to where it needs to go. This can be done through stretches or at a desk if that is your primary workstation. While it may look a little odd to have your feet elevated on your desk, it can be very helpful for preventing varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a common problem, especially for people who have to sit or stand in one position for long periods of time. Many jobs can put you at risk for varicose veins including teaching, nursing, and other jobs where you’re required to be on your feet all day. You can help prevent varicose veins by taking breaks every hour to walk around, doing exercises that improve circulation, and wearing compression socks or stockings. If you already have varicose veins, see a vein specialist like Dr. Gonzalez at Elmore Medical about your possible treatment options.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.