Learn about why standing or sitting too long can worsen varicose veins
Standing or sitting for long periods of time can cause varicose veins to worsen. This is because the natural movement of your blood is restricted and pooling occurs more frequently. Weak valves in your veins can also cause stagnation, which worsens varicose veins.
Having extended periods of standing and sitting are common for many people in the working world, whether you’re an office worker, a nurse, a cashier or any other profession that requires you to sit or stand all day. Read on to learn more about why standing or sitting too long can worsen varicose veins and what you can do to prevent it.
Does standing cause varicose veins?
Sitting and standing for long hours may result in varicose veins. When you stand for a long time, your blood circulation decreases and may result in varicose veins.
To avoid this, you can take the following precautions:
- Exercise regularly.
- Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels.
- Change your positions frequently while sitting or standing.
- Use lift whenever possible or take an escalator.
Can you develop varicose veins from sitting?
No, you can’t develop varicose veins from sitting. However, long-term prolonged sitting may result in varicose veins due to a condition called venous reflux.
Varicose veins may also be a symptom of a more serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of the body. DVT may lead to pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition.
Solutions:
1) Make sure to stretch your legs and feet regularly while you’re sitting. You can also use an ergot board foot rest to keep your legs elevated while you’re sitting.
2) Stand up from your sitting position and take a walk every 30 minutes or so. You can also try alternating between sitting and standing positions throughout the day.
3) If you work at a desk, try using an adjustable standing desk or a sit-stand desk with a treadmill attachment. This will allow you to vary your position and get regular movement breaks throughout the day.
What makes varicose veins worse?
A few things make varicose veins worse, including:
- Ignoring your symptoms: Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms, but if you ignore them, the veins can become worse.
- Sitting for long periods of time: If you spend a lot of time sitting each day, this can cause your blood to pool in your lower body and make your veins more likely to bulge.
- Being overweight: Being overweight or obese can contribute to the development of varicose veins.
How to prevent varicose veins when standing all day?
No one likes to have varicose veins and if you stand all day, it is more likely to happen. There are also some other factors that can lead to varicose veins.
Some tips to help prevent varicose veins while standing all day are:
1). Make sure that you wear the right kind of shoes while you are working, ones that will absorb any pressure and distribute it evenly throughout your feet.
2). If possible, try to take breaks away from your desk and rest your feet. This will help them stay fresh and also help you feel less sore afterwards.
3). Make sure that you are keeping yourself hydrated while working since this will also help prevent any swelling or muscle cramps.
4). You should try to keep moving around as much as possible, don’t just sit in one place for hours at a time. This will give your body the chance to work the blood throughout your entire system so it can be properly distributed.
5). Eat healthy foods that contain Vitamin K which is needed for blood clotting and healing of blood vessels such as leafy greens and Brussels sprouts.
How to prevent varicose veins when sitting all day?
Varicose veins are bulging, swollen veins that develop in the leg. They’re a symptom of venous insufficiency and are likely to be present in those who are inactive or sedentary, as well as pregnant women.
There’s a few steps you can take to prevent varicose veins when sitting all day:
1). Keep your feet elevated: When you’re sitting at your desk, make sure to keep your feet elevated on a stool, bookshelf, or chair to promote blood flow and keep your blood from pooling in your lower extremities.
2). Wear compression stockings: If you’re prone to developing varicose veins, wearing compression stockings can help reduce their appearance and onset. Unlike regular stockings that fit over your legs, compression stockings squeeze the blood vessels closer to your body for better blood flow and containment. They can also help relieve swelling and fatigue in your legs by boosting blood flow. Additionally, they can provide additional support during long travel times or while you’re at work.
3). Stretch regularly: Additionally, it’s important to stretch regularly while sitting at a desk or on public transportation to help keep your muscles active while stationary. You may want to use a footstool and modify positions so you’re not slouching forward or crossing your legs. Be sure not to force any movement that causes pain as this could be exacerbating symptoms and lead to future issues.
San Diego Vein Specialists
If you are concerned about your vein health, it’s worth seeing a vein specialist for a consultation.
If you suffer from varicose veins or spider veins, we may recommend considering having a procedure done, such as EVLT, to cure the problem. If you are considering such a procedure, contact Kafri Wellness Clinic to schedule an evaluation and get more information.
At Kafri Wellness Clinic, we have over 25+ years of experience working with patients to address vein issues. We also take into consideration a cardiovascular approach to your treatment to give you as much insight into your health as possible.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you, please contact us today!
