How Sitting or Standing Can Affect Your Health
Working for extended hours on your feet can be exhausting and significantly strain your body. Professionals who spend a substantial part of their day in this position often encounter issues like fatigue, leg swelling, and the risk of developing circulatory problems. In this article, we will explore how graduated compression can effectively alleviate these discomforts and enhance the well-being of those who work in a standing position.
Who Works While Standing?
Various professional categories spend the majority of their time on their feet across diverse sectors. Many individuals work within the healthcare system, including nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers. Additionally, the hospitality industry involves substantial periods of standing, such as waiters, bartenders, cooks, chefs, and receptionists. Retail settings also require employees like shop assistants and sales workers to stand for extended periods. Similarly, beauticians and hairdressers spend their workday on their feet, impacting their bodies and circulatory systems.
Not to be overlooked are the challenges faced by individuals working in factories, such as production workers and labourers, which can lead to back pain.
It’s important to note that even those who spend prolonged hours sitting in a static position can experience venous fatigue and related discomforts like soreness and swelling.
Understanding Prolonged Standing
Remaining upright for extended hours requires your blood to work against gravity to return to the heart and be reoxygenated in the lungs. Blood flow from the body’s extremities, such as the arms, hands, legs, and feet, may require assistance to return to the core and vital organs. Standing too long can lead to fatigue and impede blood circulation, resulting in various health issues. Key consequences include muscle fatigue, leg and back pain, and swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles due to fluid buildup (oedema) from immobility. Circulatory issues can be particularly bothersome and, if neglected, can develop into actual pathologies. The prolonged hours in an upright position can slow blood flow and heighten the risk of varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.
Hours of Standing per Day
The number of hours one can stand per day varies based on individual and health factors. However, taking regular breaks for sitting or moving is advisable to reduce the strain on your legs and back. Staying within 2-4 consecutive hours without significant breaks is recommended for those working while standing. Taking brief pauses, stretching, using adjustable desks, and wearing graduated compression socks can contribute to better
health while working in a standing position. Listening to your body and choosing appropriate footwear prevents discomfort and health issues. For individuals who spend long hours working on a computer, a standing desk can be a viable solution to alternate between sitting and standing, alleviating leg pressure and promoting better posture.
Professions Utilising Graduated Compression
Graduated compression is recommended for professions requiring prolonged standing or activities involving high muscular stress. These include healthcare workers, hospitality industry employees, factory workers, and sales personnel. Professionals in the airline industry also appreciate compression stockings due to the additional pressure during flights. Graduated compression can benefit anyone engaged in activities that demand extensive hours on their feet, enhancing blood circulation and leg comfort. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or doctor to determine the suitability of graduated compression for your needs and health.
Reducing Fatigue for Prolonged Standing
To combat fatigue and enhance well-being during extended periods of standing work, consider the following tips:
1. Wear Graduated Compression Garments: Utilize stockings, tights, leggings, or socks with graduated compression to enhance circulation and reduce swelling and fatigue. Solidea has an extensive range of graduated compression socks and stockings to suit every occasion.
2. Take Regular Breaks and try to stand on the tips of your toes to stimulate circulation.
3. Perform Stretching Exercises: Engage in simple stretching exercises during breaks to relieve muscle tension.
4. Comfortable Shoes: Choose comfortable and appropriate footwear to support the well-being of your legs and back.
Graduated compression is a valuable resource for those working long hours in a standing position and those spending extended hours sitting in front of a computer. It mitigates muscle fatigue, improves circulation, and helps prevent related health problems. If you fall within one of the professional categories mentioned or spend considerable time on your feet each day, prioritise your health by adopting these straightforward practices. Your legs and overall well-being will undoubtedly benefit from these measures.