office work varicose veins

Office Workers At Risk of Varicose Veins

Research has highlighted varicose veins among the long-term health risks associated with working in an office. 

Scientists interviewed over 3000 people to find out about the health issues in a report dubbed ‘ The Work Colleague of the Future’. The team commissioned a 3D life-sized dummy to illustrate how someone working in an office could look in 20 years time, due to the time spent seated at a desk, which carries a surprising array of health risks due to lack of activity and static seated positioning.

  • Varicose veins from poor blood flow
  • Hunched back/round shoulders/bad back from poor posture when seated
  • Bloodshot eyes/dry eye due to staring at a computer screen
  • Pale skin due to artificial lighting and lack of outdoor activity
  • Eczema caused by stress
  • Hairy nose and ears due to poor air quality
  • Swollen limbs due to repetitive movements
  • Rounded stomach caused by sedentary position

Behavioural Futurist William Higham and his team reviewed ergonomics, occupational health and wellbeing. They found that office workers spent an average 6 hours a day sat at a desk, yet for some the figure was much higher.

Over 90% of those surveyed said they worried that this was too long and 98% recognised that it could cause health problems in the future.

Mr Higham said:

“Unless we make radical changes to our working lives, such as moving more, addressing our posture at our desks, taking regular walking breaks or considering improving our workstation setup, our offices are going to make us very sick.”

Varicose Vein Risks

Cosmedics’ Vein Treatment Centre based in London already sees many patients who work at a desk or in an office environment.

The company specialises in diagnosis and treatment for vein problems ranging from patches of fine thread veins to full varicose veins.

Varicose veins can be very uncomfortable for patients, as they can feel heavy, achy or painful. The skin can become inflamed and itchy too.

Avoid Vein Problems

Avoidance is always cheaper and easier than treatment. A few tips for office workers are:

  • Avoid prolonged periods of sitting down – get up and move about every hour even if for a short period. Activity trackers can be a good prompt for this or else set a timer
  • Take a brisk walk at lunchtime to boost circulation
  • Be careful to take enough exercise during the week
  • Pay attention to your posture – consider a standing desk or ergonomic stool
  • Take care to keep well hydrated
  • Avoid crossing your legs as this can make it harder for slow circulation
  • Be vigilant – if you spot any vein problems earlier treatment prevents them getting worse
  • Maintaining a sensible weight generally makes you less prone to developing vein conditions

Vein Removal Treatments

Varicose vein removal using the latest techniques is surprisingly fast and comfortable. EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) treatment offers a 95% success rate. Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon.

For smaller thread veins or spider veins, Cosmedics Skin Clinics, offer thread vein removal at a selection of clinics based in London using the latest surgical techniques including laser vein treatment, microcautery treatment and sclerotherapy injections (not for facial areas) with trained doctors and surgeons. Nd:YAG laser thread vein removal for smaller facial veins is available at selected London clinics.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.

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