If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk or standing for long hours, you may have noticed discomfort, swelling, or even visible veins on your legs. While these symptoms might seem like minor inconveniences, they could be early signs of a more serious condition—venous insufficiency. At the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City, Dr. Barbieri can evaluate your legs to see if you have varicose veins. Varicose veins are a symptom of venous insufficiency, a chronic vein disease.
Varicose veins, spider veins, and leg pain are all common consequences of venous insufficiency and prolonged standing or sitting can exacerbate these symptoms. But why does this happen, and what can you do about it? Let’s take a deep dive into how your daily routine affects your vein health and what kinds of vein treatments are available..
Understanding Venous Insufficiency
Your veins play a crucial role in circulation by transporting blood back to your heart. Unlike arteries, veins rely on tiny valves to keep blood moving in the right direction—against gravity. When these valves weaken or fail, blood can pool in the veins, leading to a condition known as venous insufficiency.
Varicose veins are one of the most common symptoms of venous insufficiency. These enlarged, twisted veins typically appear on the legs and can cause discomfort, swelling, and aching. While some people believe varicose veins are just a cosmetic issue, they can actually lead to more serious health complications if left untreated.
How Sitting All Day Affects Your Veins
If you have a sedentary job or lifestyle, you may be putting your vein health at risk. Here’s how prolonged sitting contributes to vein problems:
- Reduced Circulation – When you sit for long periods, your blood flow slows down, especially in your legs. This can lead to blood pooling in the veins, increasing the risk of varicose veins and blood clots.
- Increased Pressure on Veins – Sitting with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle for extended periods can put extra pressure on your veins, making it harder for blood to return to your heart.
- Swelling and Discomfort – Poor circulation caused by sitting can lead to swelling in the lower legs and ankles, making movement uncomfortable.
How Standing All Day Affects Your Veins
On the flip side, standing for long hours can also take a toll on your veins. Here’s why:
- Gravity Works Against You – When you stand for long periods, gravity makes it harder for blood to flow upward, increasing the likelihood of blood pooling in your lower legs.
- Valve Strain – The increased pressure on your veins can weaken the valves over time, leading to venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
- Leg Fatigue and Swelling – Standing all day can cause your legs to feel heavy, tired, and swollen, especially by the end of the day.
Tips for Protecting Your Vein Health
If your job requires you to sit or stand for long hours, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of venous insufficiency and varicose veins:
- Move Regularly – If you sit at a desk, stand up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. If you stand all day, shift your weight between legs and take breaks to sit when possible.
- Exercise – Engage in activities that promote circulation, such as walking, cycling, and swimming.
- Elevate Your Legs – Whenever you have the chance, prop your legs up above heart level to help blood flow back to your heart.
- Wear Compression Stockings – These specialized socks help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps keep your blood flowing smoothly.
- Avoid Crossing Your Legs – Sitting with your legs crossed can restrict circulation and increase vein pressure.
Treatments Available for Varicose Veins
If you already have varicose veins, don’t wait for them to go away on their own—because they won’t. The Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City offers several minimally invasive varicose vein treatments to help eliminate varicose veins and restore healthy circulation.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are often the first step in managing vein issues. These snug-fitting garments help promote blood flow, reduce pain and swelling, and prevent existing varicose veins from worsening. They can also be used after vein treatments to support healing and circulation.
Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)
This advanced varicoce vein treatment uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to heat, shrink, and close off problematic veins. Once the treated vein is sealed, blood is naturally rerouted to healthier veins. The body then absorbs the closed vein over time.
Laser Vein Ablation
Similar to RFA, this procedure uses laser energy instead of radiofrequency to close off and shrink varicose veins. The body then processes the treated vein as waste, eliminating its appearance and associated symptoms within weeks.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a concentrated saline solution directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. This treatment is commonly used for spider veins and smaller varicose veins.
Arithena
This procedure utilizes a “superfoam” combination of polidocanol, nitrogen, and oxygen, which is injected into larger or deeper veins under ultrasound guidance. This option is beneficial when other vein treatments like ablation or phlebectomy are not suitable.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
For larger, bulging surface veins, ambulatory phlebectomy is a highly effective vein treatment. This in-office procedure involves making tiny punctures in the skin to remove the problematic vein. It requires only local anesthesia and has minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities almost immediately.
Take Action for Your Vein Health
If you’re experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency, don’t ignore them. Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they indicate an underlying vein condition that can worsen over time. The good news is that effective, minimally invasive vein treatments are available to help you regain comfort and confidence. Come see Dr. Barbieri and understand your varicose vein treatment options.
Take action now by making an appointment for an evaluation. Call the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City at (913) 541-3377 in Overland Park or (816) 792-1188 in Liberty, or fill out this form to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Barbieri. Let us help you get back to healthier, pain-free legs!
