You try your best to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, but did you know that your profession may be a contributing factor to the development of varicose veins? In our many years of seeing patients as the premier vein clinic in Orlando, there seems to be a common thread that we have observed in many of our patients who come to us suffering from the symptoms of varicose veins. The commonality: these folks spend inordinate amounts of time standing while performing their job duties.
- Waiters/Waitresses who spend their entire shift standing, walking, and bending are at high risk for developing varicose veins. Restaurant floors are hard and punishing even while wearing the proper footwear. In the restaurant industry, chefs and line cooks are also always on their feet. In the kitchen area, there are frequently rubber mats placed in an attempt to cushion the work area and to protect people from nasty spills. Unfortunately, this attempt to soften the resistance against the feet is not tremendously helpful.
- Hairdressers also submit their lower extremities to the brutality of constant standing combined with little mobility.
- Hospitality Industry workers in Central Florida spend a lot of time on their feet in theme parks, hotels, and venues. Standing stationery is very problematic for maintaining good vein health.
- Nurses and Health Care Technicians are always on the go from one patient to the next. Hard floors are a contributing factor to the negative impact on the legs.
- Teachers are on their feet all day long. Whether standing in the front of the classroom or walking amongst their students to check work, the wear and tear on their legs, ankles, and feet will take a toll.
Exactly why do these professions seem to frequently suffer from varicose veins? In a word: gravity. The blood that circulates from our legs back to our heart fights a constant uphill battle. Valves within the veins are the controls of blood return to the heart. The more we stand, the greater the pull of gravity on those valves. If those valves are continually fighting gravity to return blood to the heart, those veins can weaken from overuse. As a result, blood slips (leaks) back down towards the feet and will begin to pool.
When the valves continue to malfunction and leakage continue, the vein walls will start to swell and, eventually, the signs and symptoms of varicose veins will become apparent. Wearing support hose and proper footwear can be helpful but are in no way to be confused with a “cure” for varicosities. You should seek medical advice. We take your vein health very seriously here at our premier vein clinic in Orlando. Visit us online, or call today to set up your consultation at 407-805-8989. Don’t be at the mercy of gravity.
