Does your career put you at risk for varicose veins?

Working in a career that requires a person to stand for more than four hours per day can put them at risk for varicose veins, but working in a field that requires a person to sit all day might also put them at danger.

Long periods of standing can cause veins to overwork and blood to pool in leg veins, increasing pressure and causing valves to weaken and fail, resulting in varicose veins. Also – long periods of sitting causes blood to pool in the legs, increasing vein pressure and potentially leading to varicose veins.

Vein valves and vein inner walls can degenerate with time, resulting in unattractive and painful varicose veins that are ropey and often bulging. Leg pain, heaviness, and a burning sensation are common early symptoms, as is discomfort that eases while sitting but worsens with activity or standing.

Let’s take a look at some of the occupations that may put you at risk for varicose veins, as well as what you can do to lower your risk. Even if your work isn’t listed here, there may be some overlap between these employment classifications and your job requirements. In other words, perhaps you work in a position that needs you to stand for long periods of time, such as a ticket taker or a dishwasher in a busy restaurant. If that’s the case, you’re also at risk.

Education
Teachers and professors can be on their feet for hours in the classroom, then sit for hours grading papers, planning lessons, and preparing a curriculum. Teachers are at risk for varicose veins in both instances. Due to pregnancy and fashion trends such as wearing high heels, female instructors are more prone to varicose veins than male teachers.

Hospitality, beauty, and retail
According to one study, career hairdressers over 45 who worked more than 10 hours a day were more likely to develop varicose veins than those who were younger and worked the same hours. Baggage handlers, store greeters, hotel workers, and retail personnel are among jobs that involve frequent standing. Varicose veins can be caused by standing for long periods of time behind a cash register, inside a supermarket entryway, or behind a hotel desk.

Medical
According to medical studies, nurses, particularly ward nurses, are at an elevated risk of getting varicose veins because they spend so much time on their feet, often working shifts that run well past eight hours.

Technical or Office
Sitting for lengthy periods of time increases your risk of acquiring varicose veins. Workers in the office or in the computer profession, especially in a hectic office environment, may be forced to sit for long periods of time. Some office workers don’t even take a break for lunch and eat at their workstations. IT professionals who spend their time remotely accessing other computers for repair or maintenance frequently find themselves in this scenario.

Transportation
Varicose veins are also a problem for bus, Uber, and taxi drivers who work lengthy shifts behind the wheel. Bus and truck drivers who travel long distances are particularly vulnerable. Long-distance drivers frequently wait for hours at a time, sometimes more than 10 hours.

Varicose Veins in the Workplace: How to Reduce Your Risk
If your job necessitates long hours of sitting or standing, attempt to alter your routine. Your body requires movement. In either case, quitting smoking, decreasing weight, and increasing your physical activity can greatly lower your chance of varicose veins.

If you stand all day, supportive, low-heeled shoes or support hosiery are far better for your leg veins than high heels. Leg elevation or a brisk stroll during your lunch hour can help if you sit for long periods of time at work.

Taking the time to exercise, no matter what you do at work during the day, gets the blood circulating in your legs and helps your veins to operate at their best, lowering your chance of varicose veins.

If you have questions about varicose veins, please call Doctor Cahn to schedule a Free Vein Health Screening* at (910) 242-4952