Worsened Pain After Sitting or Standing for a Long Time
Spending long hours sitting or standing is a fact of life for many. Whether working at a desk, driving a car, or taking a long flight, there are times when an individual must be in one position for extended periods. And while this may not seem like a big deal, extended periods of sitting or standing can lead to varicose veins.
When sitting or standing for long periods, the valves in the veins that normally keep blood flowing in one direction begin to malfunction. This can cause blood to pool in the legs, increasing vein pressure and, ultimately, in varicose veins. In addition, sitting or standing for extended periods can also lead to a condition called venous stasis, which causes the walls of the veins to become weak and stretchy. Together, these two conditions can cause unsightly and painful varicose veins.
One can do several things to prevent varicose veins from developing due to prolonged sitting or standing. Taking regular breaks throughout the day to move around and stretch the legs will help keep the blood flowing and reduce the pressure on the veins.
