Teachers & Varicose Veins
Back-to-school season is in full effect. While school looks a little different this year due to COVID-19, teachers are still one profession at higher risk of developing varicose veins. Typically, teachers spend a lot of time on their feet. School days often involve a lot of standing and walking around. Being on the go all the time can make the day fly by, but it can also take a toll on your health—especially vein health. Prolonged periods of standing increases the pressure within the leg veins, and the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
For female teachers that choose to wear high heels, the additional strain on your legs and feet can compromise proper circulation and contribute to blood pooling in your veins.
5 Things Teachers Can Do to Improve Vein Health
While there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins, certain steps can be taken to reduce the risk of the condition. Here are 5 tips for improving vein health:
1. Move around
Our bodies are made to move. Sitting or standing in one place for too long can have long-term effects on the legs and may lead to varicose veins and contribute to more significant chronic venous disease. Try walking around the classroom more or taking a seat to give your legs a break when possible. Outside of work, make sure you make time for regular aerobic exercise.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on our bodies - especially our leg veins. A healthy lifestyle is not just about staying fit by exercising, but it also includes eating a balanced diet. Losing weight can reduce pain and swelling in varicose veins and potentially slow the development of other venous disease.
3. Choose your footwear carefully
Save those high heels for special occasions. Try investing in flat, comfortable shoes that provide excellent support throughout the day. For male teachers, make sure your shoes are comfortable, well fitting, and provide the right support.
4. Put your feet up and relax
Take a few minutes at the end of the day to rest your feet by elevating them above your heart to help alleviate pressure and blood pooling that has occurred during the course of your day.
5. Give Compression Socks/Stockings a Try
Compression socks or stockings are garments that apply consistent pressure to the legs. This helps keep blood moving back up to your heart, improving venous circulation and providing relief from pain and swelling.
Whether you are a kindergarten teacher or a college professor, odds are you spend a lot of time standing and your risk for varicose veins increases as time goes on. At Elmore Medical we understand that even though teaching requires you to stand longer - putting you at a higher risk for varicose veins - you love the work you do and want to continue teaching as long as possible. Our state-of-the-art varicose vein treatments can help your legs feel better and less tired with little down time.
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.