Working from home and vein health – what to do and what not to do

Since the pandemic, the world has evolved in many ways including how people work. According to Advanced Workplace Associates, the number of people working in the office has reduced from 3.8 days per week to 1.4 days per week. As a result, it is clear that people are living more sedentary lives, which has arguably led to a rise in chronic illnesses including vein disease, heart disease and orthopaedic issues. This is because our body and mind need movement in order to function at their optimum capacity.

In this article, we will discuss how working from home can affect your vein health, and look at the ways in which you can help to both maintain and improve it.

Don’t sit for prolonged periods of time

Unlike the office, working from home makes you more susceptible to sitting for longer periods of time. This is because you don’t have to commute to the office, meet or chat with colleagues as regularly, and the like. Subsequently, it is important to make sure that you get up and move between 5,000 – 10,000 steps per day, in order to remain active. This can be achieved by:

• Doing a fake commute to work
• Going for a walk at lunch
• Taking regular tea and snack breaks
• Moving to another room and participating in a different activity e.g. reading, puzzling etc.
• Playing sports after work – running, tennis, climbing, walk, dancing, gym etc.

Invest in ergonomics

Arguably, the most notable difference between working in an office and working from home is your ergonomic desk setup. According to ‘THE HOMEWORKER’, the key ergonomics to carry out are:

• Keeping your screen level to your eyes to avoid either tilting or craning your neck;
• Placing your keyboard or laptop closer to you to prevent shoulder strain;
• Investing in a comfortable chair;
• Making sure that your desk is just the right height for you;
• Using an anti-glare screen protector to protect your eyes and prevent eye strain; and
• Arranging your supplies such that everything is at arm’s length (thereby ensuring some movement).

What varicose vein symptoms should an at-home employee be aware of?

Although not a definitive list, the following symptoms could suggest that you are suffering from varicose veins:

• Twisted, swollen and enlarged veins;
• Itchy or tingly skin; and
• Throbbing, heavy and tired legs and feet.

Furthermore, if you are older, overweight, live a sedentary lifestyle and have a family history of varicose veins, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

What to do if you are experiencing any of these vein-related symptoms

If you are ever in doubt about your varicose veins, we always recommend speaking to an expert consultant like the ones we have in the Premier Veins team.

The consultant will perform a vein duplex ultrasound scan to assess blood flow and detect poorly functioning valves. They can then diagnose whether you have varicose veins and provide you with information on the best treatment plans.

How can we help?

Here at Premier Veins, we offer a FREE, no-obligation mini-consultation for anyone considering varicose or thread vein treatment at one of our private clinics in Birmingham, Solihull, Leamington Spa and London. The consultation will provide you with an opportunity to:

• Meet the award-winning team of vein specialists who would be carrying out your treatment;
• Discuss our walk-in-walk-out treatment options that come with a 12-month guarantee and all-inclusive pricing plans; and
• Ask any questions that you may have about our services.

To get started, click here to book your FREE mini-consultation or call 0333 366 2246 to speak to a member of our expert team today.