I work on my feet all day. They often ache (including my calves) at end of day. Am I at higher risk for developing vein disease/varicose veins? What recommendations do you have to prevent onset?
I suggest you wear medical-grade compression stockings. Varicose veins are usually genetic in origin and can be aggravated by standing for prolonged periods of time. I suggest you consult your primary care physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you have any family history of varicose veins, then yes, you are at a higher risk for varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings will perhaps delay the onset, but if you are experiencing aching already, it would be a good idea to have a initial screen to determine if treatment is necessary at this time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Prolonged periods of standing, especially if you are in one location and not moving around, will increase your risk for developing varicose veins and other symptoms of venous insufficiency. Wearing graded compression stockings should improve your symptoms and reduce the risk of developing venous insufficiency or slow its progression. If you already have symptoms, it would be of benefit for you to see a vein specialist. The physician would evaluate the current status of your vein health and, if venous insufficiency is the cause of your symptoms, then he/she would discuss with you possible minimally invasive treatments that may cure your symptoms. Then you would have the information to decide whether or not conservative therapy with stockings or proceeding on with treatment is right for you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There was a research study (Framingham) that did suggest people in standing occupations are at a
higher risk of developing venous disease. Wearing an 18-20 knee-high compression hose would be a first step to making your legs feel better. Developing venous disease is largely a hereditary problem, but compression hose still might help to hinder the progression of the disease.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Being on your feet all day is an accelerated factor in the progression of veins. This will only happen if you have a familial predisposition (father/mother had veins). In this case we recommend that you keep an eye on the progression of your veins, and avoid birth control. Also, wear graduated compression stockings, in the event that you have the familial predisposition.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Prolonged periods of standing, especially if you are in one location and not moving around, will increase your risk for developing varicose veins and other symptoms of venous insufficiency.
Wearing graded compression stockings should improve your symptoms and reduce the risk of developing venous insufficiency or slow its progression.
If you already have symptoms, it would be of benefit for you to see a vein specialist. The physician would evaluate the current status of your vein health, and if venous insufficiency is the cause of your symptoms, the he/she would discuss with you possible minimally invasive treatments that may cure your symptoms. Then you would have the information to decide whether or not conservative therapy with stockings or proceeding on with treatment is right for you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Working/standing on your feet all day will not cause varicose veins. This is an inherited problem which can be aggravated by prolonged standing. If you have no family history it is unlikely to develop into varicose veins. For our patients who stand/sit for prolonged periods, we recommend a good quality compression sock or stocking of 20-30 mmHg strength. This supports the muscles and helps maintain normal venous blood flow return. If you try this along with regular exercise, elevating your legs, maintaining normal weight and staying well hydrated you should feel much improved. If this doesn't help, I would recommend you talk with your physician and have a duplex ultrasound examination of both the deep and superficial systems.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are many risk factors. Some are hereditary factors, weight, and standing on your feet for prolonged periods of time. In any case, I would recommend you use compression hose as much as possible.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Most people work on their feet all day so that alone does not put you at increase risk for vein disease. Documented risk factors for vein problems include family history and pregnancies. Other controversial risk factors include obesity, trauma to the legs and standing or sitting in place. You should have a venous reflux exam to see if you have reflux because, if reflux is present, you would be at increased risk for the development of vein problems. No matter what, you should try to wear at least knee length compression stockings, keep your weight down and exercise your legs.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you have the genetic predisposition for veins it might get worse, but many people stand all day and never get veins. You can wear support stockings to help, but I wouldn't change you work for that reason.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, you are at right to develop venous insufficiency if indeed your work involves standing several hours a day.
Weat compression stockings 20-30mmHg or higher compression would help to alleviate the symptoms. Daily walking exercise for at least 30min and leg elevation at the end of your working day will also help. But if you have family history of vein disease, sooner or later your problem will need a more definitive treatment.
Ideally, you should have a consultation with a vein specialist now to assess how advanced is your problem.
Published on Jul 11, 2012