How Sitting and Standing Impact Your Vein Health

When someone mentions varicose veins, most people think about unsightly blue and bulging veins that develop mostly in the legs. But a host of other uncomfortable symptoms accompany varicose veins.

As with many health conditions, you can take steps to reduce your risk of having to deal with the pain and cosmetic concerns surrounding varicose veins. 

Our able and accomplished provider team at Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire is ready to care for you by providing education and preventive tips related to varicose veins, as well as the most advanced treatments if you’re suffering with symptoms.

Varicose veins: More than just a cosmetic concern

Aside from the visual nuisances, varicose veins cause a range of other concerning symptoms, including:

• Itching around the veins
• A burning sensation around the veins
• Leg swelling
• Leg sores
• Skin rash
• Skin color changes
• Persistent, aching pain in the legs
• A feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet
• Nighttime leg cramps

It’s important to understand the critical role that your veins play in sending blood back to your lungs and heart for reoxygenation. The veins are nimble and have valves that open and close to keep your blood moving forward.

If your valves are flawed or the walls of your veins are harmed, your blood flow is compromised, perhaps even allowing blood to flow backward until it pools at the nearest functioning valve.  This stretches your veins, leaving them less resilient, and your circulation isn’t as efficient as it should be. 

Varicose veins are one type of venous disease, which impacts about 30 million Americans. The condition is also an early stage of chronic venous insufficiency, a worrisome condition caused by improper function of the valves in your leg veins that leads to difficult-to-treat leg ulcers.

How long you sit or stand makes a big difference for your veins

We know that one of the most damaging things you can do to your veins is sit for extended periods (whether at work or binge-watching TV programs) or stand for a long time (you don’t have a choice with some jobs, like teaching or nursing).

When blood accumulates in your veins, the ensuing stretching damages your valves.

Variety is the spice of life: Changing positions to aid your health

Though changing up your position is a simple enough fix for the problem, it can be challenging if you must sit or stand for long periods. We have some suggestions:

1. Staying still is the enemy

Even when sitting or standing, shift your position frequently, about every 30 minutes.

2. Don’t just shift: Move

After you’ve shifted your weight to different legs when standing for 30 minutes, or to different sides of your body while sitting, take a stretching break and walk around a bit.

3. Keep a watch on your weight

If you’re living with extra pounds, sitting or standing for a long time puts even more stress on your veins. Lose weight if you need to by increasing your exercise and eating well. Your veins will thank you!

4. Exercise is great for your vein health

Daily physical activity supports your vein health. Exercise doesn’t have to be drudgery, either — walking your dog, gardening, or riding your bike all count. The more you enjoy your activities, the more likely you are to want to stick with them. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.

5. Raise those legs

When you’re sitting, elevate your legs to heart level, perhaps by putting them up on an ottoman. This helps your blood flow through your veins more easily and efficiently.