You know those weird-looking blue veins on your grandmother’s legs that used to creep you out as a child? Bad news – there’s a very good chance you’ll get them as well. Genetics is the number one reason people develop varicose veins. However, many lifestyle factors also contribute to the likelihood you’ll develop this venous insufficiency. In this article, we address one cause of varicose veins: Your job. Unfortunately, certain jobs can lead to the development of varicose veins due to prolonged sitting or standing.

Whether you went to school for your career or you just happened upon your job, it’s your bread and butter. You need this job to live. It certainly wouldn’t make sense for you to quit a job to prevent the development of this venous disease, but there are things you can do on the job to keep the blood flowing efficiently in your legs and feet throughout the day to decrease your chances of blood pooling, increased pressure, and swelling.

If you have a job that requires a lot of standing, find time in the day to take sitting breaks, go for a 10-minute walk, or even lean on a chair or counter. You want to take the pressure off your legs. If you have a job that requires a lot of sitting, schedule breaks in the day where you can stand, stretch, and walk around; you’ve got to get that blood flowing! When you are seated for an extended period of time, your muscles aren’t being used, so they are not helping the blood get pumped back up the leg. Because of this, the blood can flow backwards and pool in the legs.

Below is a list of some of the top jobs that require either a lot of standing or sitting. As you can see, many people’s jobs fall into one of these categories.

• Office job – Most office jobs require a worker to sit in a chair for 8 hours a day. Positions include: receptionists, office managers, bank tellers, graphic designers, web developers, accountants, etc.
• Medical jobs – Doctors, surgeons, nurses, medical staff spend much of their day on their feet.
• Cashier – A cashier is literally standing in one spot for hours at a time.
• Front desk attendant – Like a cashier, a front desk attendant (hotel, spa, salon) often is standing in the same spot for his or her entire shift.
• Truck driver – Truck drivers often make deliveries across state borders, which means they are sitting for hours upon hours.
• Hairstylists – Although they do move around, hairdressers are in the same spot most of the day when working; you don’t often see them sitting either.

These jobs require a good leg stretch every hour or so throughout the day so circulatory problems do not occur.  The above jobs aren’t all the jobs that can lead to venous issues either. Other jobs like teachers, bartenders, and factory workers can contribute to circulatory problems, as well.

If you are in one of these professions, there’s plenty you can do to keep your blood flowing. As stated earlier, schedule breaks and time to walk, stretch and move your body. You can also exercise regularly to promote a healthy blood flow and muscle mass and usage in your body. Lastly, you can purchase compression stockings, which can help blood flow during your long shifts.

If you are concerned about developing varicose veins due to your profession, or believe you might have them already, it’s time to see a vein specialist. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a vein specialist who can examine your legs, listen to your concerns, and determine the best course of action for you. Dr. Mikhail treats patients in Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult with Dr. Mikhail, click here or call 727-312-4844.

Author Info

dzadmin