On Your Feet All Day? What Every Teacher Should Know About Varicose Veins

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Why Teachers Are at Risk for Varicose Veins—And What They Can Do About It

Teachers spend most of their days on their feet—interacting with students, moving between classrooms, standing to teach lessons, or even walking through the halls. Over time, all that standing can take a toll on their legs. One common issue? Varicose veins.

The Hidden Risk in the Classroom

Prolonged standing increases pressure in the leg veins. When this happens frequently, it can weaken vein walls and valves, leading to varicose veins—a condition where veins become enlarged, twisted, and often painful.

Female teachers who wear high heels regularly may be at an even higher risk. Heels shift your weight forward, increase strain on your legs and feet, and impair healthy blood flow—leading to pooling of blood in the veins. This risk is further elevated during pregnancy or if you’re carrying extra weight.

What Makes Teachers More Vulnerable?

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), standing for over four hours a day—or standing continuously for more than an hour—can lead to serious health consequences. These include:

Muscle fatigue
Back and leg pain
Leg swelling
Circulatory issues like varicose veins, chronic venous disease, and chronic venous insufficiency

Teachers often fit this risk profile due to the physical nature of their jobs. Let’s take a look at how they can better protect their leg and vein health.

5 Simple Ways Teachers Can Support Their Vein Health

Keep Moving
Avoid standing in one spot for too long. Walk around the classroom or shift your weight between legs. Outside of work, regular physical activity helps promote healthy circulation.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight increases the pressure on your veins. Shedding even a few pounds can relieve pain, reduce swelling, and help prevent further vein damage.
Elevate Your Feet
After a long day, take a few minutes to put your feet up—literally. Elevating your legs above heart level helps drain pooled blood and reduces swelling.
Rethink Your Shoes
Ditch the high heels for comfortable, supportive footwear—your legs will thank you. Reserve heels for special occasions, not daily classroom duty.
Try Compression Stockings
These medical-grade garments apply gentle pressure to your legs, encouraging blood to flow back toward the heart and easing symptoms like aching, swelling, and heaviness.

How Varicose Veins Form

Unlike arteries, veins have one-way valves that keep blood from flowing backward, especially in the legs. But when these valves weaken or vein pressure becomes too high, blood can pool. This leads to swollen, twisted veins—commonly known as varicose veins.

Understanding the Difference Between Arteries and Veins

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. They’re thick and muscular to handle high pressure.
Veins return oxygen-poor blood to the heart. They’re thinner, more flexible, and rely on valves—especially in the legs—to work against gravity.

Standing or sitting for extended periods can impair that upward flow, increasing the risk of vein problems.

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Watch out for these signs:

Enlarged veins just beneath the skin
Achy or heavy-feeling legs
Swelling in ankles and feet
Throbbing or cramping
Itchy skin, especially around the ankles
Skin discoloration near affected veins

When Varicose Veins Lead to Complications

While often seen as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can cause more serious problems if left untreated, including:

Inflammation (phlebitis)
Skin ulcers
Blood clots
Bleeding from ruptured veins

Don’t Ignore the Signs—Talk to a Specialist

If you’re experiencing leg pain, visible veins, swelling, or heaviness in your legs, don’t brush it off. A vascular specialist can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatment options.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Peripheral Artery Disease(PAD)

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