Work in a Sedentary Job? You Might Want to Watch Out for Varicose Veins

If you work within an office environment, or a job which requires you to sit still for long periods of time, your risk of developing varicose veins is pretty high. When you’re not moving your legs for hours at a time, blood can start to pool within them. This doesn’t just increase your risk of varicose veins, it also increases the risk of developing potentially deadly blood clots.

Here, you’ll discover why sedentary jobs pose a risk of varicose veins and what you can do to reduce your chances of developing the condition.

Why do sedentary jobs pose a risk of varicose veins?

The reason varicose veins develop is largely down to poor circulation within the legs. The calf muscles are responsible for helping to pump the blood back up to the heart. As you walk, the muscles contract, pushing the blood up the legs against gravity.

If you don’t walk around much during the day, the blood isn’t going to be pumped back up effectively. This causes it to start pooling in the veins, placing them under a lot more pressure. Eventually, this can lead to the development of varicose veins, as well as serious blood clots.

What can you do to prevent varicose veins?

If you do work in a sedentary job, there are ways you can attempt to prevent varicose veins from occurring.

If you’re sat at a desk all day, for example, you can carry out desk-based exercises to keep the legs more active. These include pedalling your feet, lifting the legs up and down, stretching the ankles and elevating the feet above the heart. All of these can help boost blood circulation in the legs. You can also wear compression stockings, though these are largely designed for temporary use.

Why early treatment is crucial

If you do develop varicose veins, early treatment is crucial. Not only does this guarantee a less invasive treatment method, but it also comes with many health benefits. Leaving varicose veins untreated can lead to more serious complications, such as deadly blood clots which can travel up to the heart.

The type of treatment you’ll be offered will depend upon how severe the varicose veins are. Book a consultation with a vein specialist to determine which treatment method is right for you.