Tips for Vein Health When Working from Home
Over the last few years, working from home has become more common.
The first thing you should know is that you’re not alone in working at home. You’re also not alone as one of the more than 22 million women and 11 million men who develop varicose veins, usually between the ages of 40-80 years of age.
Why is your vein health of more significant concern when you work from home, and what can you do about it?
What Is Vein Disease?
You should also know working at home may further worsen the symptoms of vein disease. You may be more tied to your computer than you were at the office. Still, the at-home conditions might lead to a lack of exercise and movement, poor ergonomics, unhealthy dietary habits, and self-imposed leg discomfort.
Signs of leg discomfort include but are not limited to fatigue, itchiness, numbness, and swelling.
What Are Some Complications of Vein Disease?
One potential complication of vein disease can include Superficial Thrombophlebitis (STP), which involves blood clots that develop in your leg veins. While STPs are typically not serious, you should still let your doctor know. It could be an indicator that you’re at risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), which is more severe and potentially life-threatening.
How to Improve Your Vein Health While Working at Home
Working from home means that you have the power over your workspace, movement, and dietary habits. So, here are a few quick tips.
Set the alarm early.
Think back to when you went into the office. You set the alarm so that you’d have plenty of time to get ready for work, drive there, and get to your desk. Get back into the habit of using that time to wake up, exercise, organize your workspace, and get ready for your day. You’ll not only be improving your vein health, but you’ll find that it will do wonders for your overall physical and mental health.
Watch what you eat.
It’s easy to get into the habit of snacking on whatever is in the house, but that might mean you’re eating cookies, chips, candy, or other unhealthy foods throughout the day. So instead of relying on those mostly sweet-and-salty treats, make a concerted effort to at least limit sugar, sodium, saturated fats, and even large amounts of caffeine.
Move and stretch.
You may feel you’re tied to your computer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get up and sit down, stretch, correct your posture, and even walk up and down the stairs (if you have some nearby). While doctors may offer slightly different recommendations on how often you should get up or move around, you should probably move every hour. If you feel stiff with tense shoulders or neck, you probably aren’t moving around or stretching enough.
Elevate and Compress.
If you’ve been experiencing the symptoms of vein disease, you probably already put your feet up. Even now, you can also put your feet up for 10-15 minutes halfway through the day or use compression stockings to help with the fatigue, swelling, heaviness, and discomfort.
Next Step: Find Out How Vanishing Vein Northwest Can Help
At Vanishing Vein Northwest, we consult with you about your current lifestyle and habits with recommendations on how you can address the common symptoms of vein disease. If you decide to explore treatment options, we’ll cover your family history, find out more about your medical history, and offer affordable options that may best meet your needs.