5 Jobs That Increase Varicose Vein Risk
We often discuss how people’s lifestyles can increase their chances of developing varicose veins and their root cause, vein disease. A big part of most people’s lives is spent at their job.
Most people have heard about the negative health impacts of sitting at a desk all day. However, a number of jobs that require people to be on their feet for hours at a time, have also been shown to increase the risk for developing vein disease.
Jobs that require prolonged periods of time sitting and/or standing slow the blood flow in your legs and increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins. The following five occupations are considered high risk for venous disease:
1. Healthcare Workers
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers spend most of their day on their feet. They are also required to work longer-than-average shifts. This increases the amount of work that the veins in the lower legs have to do, which causes them to become weak or damaged over time. This causes blood to pool in the veins, creating varicose veins.
2. Office Workers
Most office jobs require hours spent sitting at a desk staring at a computer screen. If you spend most of your day seated at a desk, your circulation is suffering. Decreased circulation can cause blood to pool in your legs increasing your risk for varicose veins.
3. Teachers
Being a teacher often requires standing before a classroom for most of the school day. Even when not teaching, teachers sit at their desks for many hours grading papers, which impedes blood flow.
4. Cashiers
Standing at a cash register all day is tough on your legs. People who work in grocery or drug stores are often required to stand within a small area for long periods. This gives them little opportunity to stretch or walk around.
5. Hair Stylists
Like cashiers, these professionals tend to remain standing in the same position, often working on one particular client for an hour or more. This stationary position not only is tiring on the legs but decreases the circulation.
Prevention Tips
If you are currently employed in a position that involves staying seated or on your feet for most of the day, there are a number of ways you can reduce your risk of developing venous disease.
1. Set a timer every hour. When it sounds, get up and take a five-minute walk. Do the opposite if you are on your feet all day.
2. Wear good shoes. Avoid wearing heels at work. Instead choose a shoe that gives you extra support and cushion.
3. Wear compression stockings while you work. They look and feel like tight socks or stockings, promote good circulation, and can help keep blood from pooling and causing varicose veins.
4. Exercise regularly to promote good circulation and overall health.
At Elmore Medical we understand that even though some jobs require you to stand longer - putting you at a higher risk for varicose veins - you likely chose a career you enjoy doing and would like to continue doing for a long time. Our state-of-the-art varicose vein treatments can help your legs feel better and less tired with little down time, getting you back to enjoying work again.
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.