Sitting & Vein Health

Posted on April 3, 2023

Your Desk Might Be Your Body’s Enemy

In today’s work climate, even the most active people are forced to sit for long periods of time due to their careers. Unless your job requires manual labor or you work in a gym, your profession likely requires you to sit behind a desk for large portions of the day. Even remote work requires considerable stationary time, and it’s easy to let the day slip away while entrenched in a deadline. While you may be comfortable with your office setup, keep in mind that remaining in your chair for hours at a time with little movement can have serious health consequences. This is particularly true with regard to your vein health. Without regular full body movement, you invite the risk of developing both varicose veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

What Extended Sitting Does to the Body

While deskwork is necessary for a generous portion of the population, remaining sedentary for extended periods of time can cause both chronic illness and disease. Many studies have shown a link between sitting and diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer, not to mention the development of obesity from lower metabolism as a result of inactivity. Other problems include poor posture from slouching over a computer, muscle weakness due to the stiff nature of the body’s seated position, and even gastrointestinal problems as food digestion slows because of a compressed abdomen.

One of the most common and easily correlated health problems from sitting is related to veins. Naturally, remaining seated for too long will impact blood circulation as vein pressure and blood pooling occur in the legs. As this pressure on lower extremity veins becomes more frequent, serious vein issues then develop. When the pressure builds within the vein, the vein then spirals, swells, and expands into painful varicose veins. This, however, is not the only vein issue that results from extended periods of sitting. Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is the development of a blood clot in legs due to desk-bound inactivity. This dangerous condition can even lead to a fatal pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.

Protecting Yourself

While your time during the day might feel limited based on work or office obligations, there are still ways to protect yourself from vein issues and other serious ailments. These practices include scheduling daily walks, setting timers that remind you to stand, taking various stretch breaks, elevating your legs onto your desk or nearby wall for several minutes a day, or changing your work movement habits. Try taking the stairs or adding extra steps around the building or hallway. You can also invest in compression socks or flat footwear to help with vein issues, in addition to a standing desk or compact seated elliptical machines if your budget permits. The main thing to remember is to make time to move.

Seeking Treatment

If you have already developed spider veins or varicose veins, Varicosity Vein Center can help. Our trusted vein specialists take the time to explain your options and offer life-enhancing treatment results. Don’t suffer through the pain or ignore the symptoms; schedule an appointment now and improve your quality of life.