Standing for a prolonged period of time at work, such as more than four hours per day, may increase your risk for developing varicose veins. Common examples of these professions which require prolonged periods of standing may include teachers, foodservice industry workers such as chefs and waiters, retail industry workers such as cashiers and salespeople, or even healthcare workers such as nurses and doctors. On the other hand, working in a profession which requires a person to sit all day can also increase the risk for varicose veins. Common examples of these sedentary jobs which require prolonged sitting include taxi drivers, office clerks, machine operators, or assembly line workers.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, Dr. Mathew Cheung and Dr. Peter Lin discuss various types of professions which require prolonged standing or sitting which can increase the risk for varicose veins. This risk is due in part to the physiological effect of prolonged standing or sitting which slow the blood flow in your leg circulation and increase the leg pressure leading to the development of varicose veins.

Prolonged standing can cause veins to overwork and blood may pool in the leg veins, increasing pressure in those veins, causing the valves to become weak and inefficient leading to varicose veins. Sitting for several hours instead of standing is not a solution. Prolonged sitting also causes blood to pool in the legs, which increases vein pressure and may lead to varicose veins.

Over time, vein valves and the interior walls of these veins can become weakened and lead to unsightly and painful, ropey, and often bulging varicose veins. Early symptoms include leg pain, heaviness and a burning sensation, as well as discomfort that usually eases while sitting but increases with movement or standing.

Here are some examples of jobs or career types which require long period of standing and sitting that may increase your risk of developing varicose veins. Even if you don’t see your job listed below, you may find similarities between these employment types and your job requirements. In other words, maybe you also work in a position that requires prolonged standing such as being a ticket taker, or dishwasher at a busy restaurant. If so, these risks also apply to you.

1.Teachers 

Teachers and professors can spend hours on their feet in classrooms, then hours sitting down grading papers, creating lesson plans, and preparing a curriculum. Both situations put teachers at risk for varicose veins. Female teachers are more prone to varicose veins than men due to pregnancy and fashion trends such as wearing high heels.

2. Hospitality and retail industry workers

Researchers have found that career hairdressers over the age of 45 who worked more than 10 hours a day were at an increased risk for varicose veins compared with those who were younger and worked the same hours. Similar job types that require constant standing include baggage checkers, store greeters, hotel workers, and retail employees. Standing for an extended period of time behind a cash register, inside the entrance of a supermarket, or behind a hotel desk may lead to varicose veins.

3. Healthcare workers

Healthcare professionals such as nurses have an increased risk of developing varicose veins, because they spend so many hours on their feet. Many hospital nurses working shifts that last well beyond eight hours. Doctors such as surgeons who perform lengthy operations are also at risk for developing varicose veins.

4. Office or technical workers

Prolonged sitting also increases your odds for developing varicose veins. 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. Information technology professionals who spend their time remotely accessing other computers for repair or maintenance often find themselves in the same situation.

5. Transportation workers

Bus, Uber, and taxi drivers who pull long shifts behind the wheel are also at risk for varicose veins. Long distance bus and truck drivers are especially at risk. Long distance drivers often sit for hours, sometimes more than 10 hours at a time.

While certain risk factors for bulging veins, such as age and genetics, cannot be controlled, there are measures you can take to potentially prevent or minimize their development:

1. Try to take breaks if you have to stand or sit for extended period: If your profession requires extended periods of sitting or standing, try to break it up a little.  Your body needs to move. Changing positions and stretching your legs can help improve circulation.

2. Wear compression stocking: Wearing support hose or compression stocking can lower the pressure of your leg veins. This can reduce the risk of development of bulging veins at work if you have to stand or sitting for long period of time.

3. Wear comfortable footwear: Wear comfortable shoes that provide proper support and avoid high heels or tight-fitting shoes that restrict blood flow.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Engage in regular exercise and physical activity to promote healthy blood circulation. Focus on activities that involve movement of the legs, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

5. Manage weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your veins and can help prevent the development of varicose veins or the worsening of existing ones.

6. Elevate your legs: When resting or sleeping, elevate your legs above heart level to promote blood flow back to the heart. This can be achieved by propping up your legs on a pillow or using a reclining chair.

7. Avoid crossing your legs: Crossing your legs can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of vein-related issues. Keep your legs uncrossed whenever possible.

8. Stay hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain healthy blood viscosity and can support overall circulatory health.

While these measures may not guarantee the prevention of bulging veins, they can potentially reduce the risk and promote better vein health. If you have concerns or a family history of vein issues, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended for personalized guidance.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you are interested in varicose vein treatment, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.