Varicose Veins: 6 Jobs That Increase Risk

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There are many jobs that can contribute to vein insufficiency, which increases the chance that an individual will acquire varicose veins. Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time is the culprit. We’ve listed six jobs that require the employee to do one or the other.

1. Office jobs: Anyone confined to a desk for eight hours a day is prone to circulatory issues. The human body is not meant to sit stationary for that length of time. Doing so can lead to a plethora of health issues, vein problems being one of them. The calf muscles are important in helping to pump blood through the veins, back to the heart. If an employee is sitting down, he/she is not working that muscle.

2. Truck driver: We’ve all pulled the long haul in a car on a vacation and know how good it feels when you can get out and stretch your legs. Truck drivers travel long distances consistently. This career is limited by law to a certain number of hours that the employee can drive during one shift. This is to reduce the risk of accidents due to fatigue. Truck/bus drivers still spend long periods of time sitting at the wheel which puts them at risk for vein problems.

3. Hotel Front Desk Attendant: When you walk into a hotel, isn’t there always someone standing there waiting to receive you? This cheery individual probably has tired, achy legs and swollen feet or ankles. Standing for a long time every day can be very damaging to leg vein health.

4. Hairstylist: Even though your hairstylist knows the latest tips and tricks to make you look your best, this profession puts her at great risk for varicose veins and other circulatory problems. If she wants to avoid leg pain in the future and look her best, she’ll find a way to cut your hair while sitting down.

5. Massage Therapist: Your masseuse is an expert at relieving you of your back and shoulder pain. She is a miracle worker in your eyes! Little did you know that as she’s kneading away your knots, her legs are suffering due to standing all day at her table? Taking frequent breaks between massages and getting a leg massage herself might help alleviate the risk of varicose veins in her future.

6. Nurse: The amount of time that nurses spend on their feet puts them at a great risk for circulatory issues. Their shifts tend to be very long, around 12 hours!

These are just a few of the many jobs that require an employee to sit or stand for the majority of their work day. Escaping this hazard of the work environment can be very difficult. Making slight adjustments is a solution. Here are a few suggestions:

• Compression stockings work well for vein support
• Schedule breaks to either sit, walk or stretch to encourage circulation
• Wear comfortable and supportive shoes
• Exercise before or after work to promote blood flow and to strengthen your leg muscles.

If you feel that you are at risk for developing varicose veins, call Dr. Joseph Magnant for a FREE evaluation at (239) 694-VEIN. Let Dr. Joseph Magnant, M.D. experienced Fort Myers and Bonita Springs Vein Specialist help. With offices at two convenient locations – 1510 Royal Palm Square Blvd. Suite 101 Fort Myers, Florida 33919 or 3359 Woods Edge Circle Suite 102 Bonita Springs, Florida 34134