There are many jobs that require standing or sitting for longer durations. But, sitting or standing for longer hours can lead to varicose veins. Varicose veins are one of the most common problems with legs and veins. When you sit for a long duration, your veins overwork and blood gets built up in your legs. This causes pressure in the veins and thereby leads to varicose veins. Standing for a longer duration also causes pressure on the legs and leads to varicose veins.
How Standing or Sitting All Day Affect Veins?
If your job requires you to sit or stand for a long time, it can be painful and you might experience pain, and swelling in the legs. You might think that it gets settled by taking proper rest at night. However, it may lead to varicose veins or other health issues. But everyone is not at the risk of developing varicose veins.
The veins in the legs contain valves for pushing blood flow against gravity. The blood flows from your legs to the heart. When you sit or stand for a long time, the blood flow gets obstructed and it gets accumulated in your veins. The blood accumulation causes pressure on the veins and weakens the valves.
Though our body is designed for moving around, sitting or standing for long periods can affect veins and your health.
What are the Signs of Varicose Veins?
If your job requires you to stand or sit all day, it is important to be aware of the signs and get proper treatment for varicose veins. The common signs of varicose veins include the following:
- Severe pain after sitting or standing for a long time
- Heavy feeling in your legs
- Muscle cramps
- Itching around veins without any certain reason
- Ulcers near legs or ankles that do not reduce
- Rashes around your ankles
- Brown pigmentation on the legs
- Burning and swelling in your lower legs
If you ever experience any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, consider visiting a doctor to get an early diagnosis for your condition.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins If I am Sitting or Standing for a Long Time?
The following tips can help you reduce the chances of varicose veins:
- Use compression stockings to tighten the calf muscles. This allows the blood to flow back to the heart.
- If your job needs you to sit all day, stand up and walk for regular intervals to allow the blood to flow.
- Use stairs in your office rather than using the lift.
- Whenever you get a call, go for a walk to allow blood flow in your legs.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes and wear comfortable clothing to prevent the risk of developing varicose veins.
- Lose weight as it reduces the workload on the circulatory system and improves overall blood circulation.
- Practise regular exercise as it increases heart strength and pumps more blood to your body.
- After returning home from work, lie down with your legs elevated to prevent varicose veins.
- Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce pressure on your legs and prevent varicose veins.
Sitting or Standing for a Long Period and Have Signs of Varicose Veins? Meet Dr Pradyumna Reddy Today
If you are sitting or standing all day and experiencing any signs of varicose veins, consider visiting a doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis for your condition. Dr Pradyumna Reddy has been helping patients suffering from varicose veins for several years. She offers several non-invasive treatments to correct the situation and help you lead a happy life. She also suggests invasive treatments if required. For more information, call us today.
