Many people overlook leg discomfort, assuming it’s a natural part of the job or an inevitable consequence of aging. Neither of these assumptions is true! In fact, symptoms like restless legs, those irritating nighttime urges to move your legs, can be more than just a nuisance. They may be an early warning sign of underlying vein disease.
For people in certain careers, the risk is even higher.
Jobs that require long hours of standing or sitting can increase the risk of developing serious vein problems, especially if symptoms such as restless legs go untreated.
If you’ve been ignoring leg discomfort, hoping it will go away on its own is not an option. Vein conditions can worsen over time, but early vein treatment can help restore your comfort and confidence, allowing you to return to work quickly. The vein doctors at the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) specialize in minimally invasive outpatient procedures that typically take an hour or less to complete, providing quick relief from symptoms.
Don’t let your job put your health at risk. Schedule a consultation today and find out why CVR is the nation’s leader in vein care. Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or use the link below to schedule your vein evaluation.
Here are five occupations where restless legs may be more than just uncomfortable—they could be a sign of dangerous underlying vein problems. Learn what you can do to protect your vein health if your work keeps you on your legs.
1. Nurses and Healthcare Workers
Nurses and healthcare professionals spend hours on their feet. Long shifts, little time to sit, and heavy physical demands can take a toll. Prolonged standing is a known risk factor for venous insufficiency, a condition where the valves in your leg veins stop working properly. This can lead to blood pooling in the legs, exacerbating symptoms such as restless legs, leg swelling, fatigue, aching, and varicose veins.
2. Teachers
Teachers often stand for hours during the day, moving between classrooms or standing at a board. While they’re caring for students, their veins may be under silent stress. Vein problems may start as minor discomfort—such as itchiness, leg fatigue, or nighttime restlessness—but can develop into serious issues without treatment.
Teachers experiencing restless legs may be ignoring the early signs of chronic venous insufficiency without realizing it, with devastating consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated varicose veins can lead to chronic pain, skin changes, ulcers, and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
3. Warehouse and Factory Workers
Jobs that involve standing in one place—like working an assembly line or operating heavy machinery—are tough on your legs. These positions limit circulation and can cause blood to pool in the lower limbs. Add in the stress of lifting or repetitive motion, and your veins are at even greater risk.
As reported by the National Library of Medicine, prolonged standing on the job—especially for more than 4 to 8 hours a day—can significantly increase the risk of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and other vascular health problems. Workers who stand for extended periods experience higher rates of leg swelling, varicose veins, discomfort, and even cardiovascular changes, such as increased blood pressure and carotid artery thickening.
4. Flight Attendants and Pilots
People who work in aviation are at risk from both prolonged sitting and standing. Long flights mean restricted movement, and pressure changes in the cabin can also affect blood flow. This combination can make restless legs more than just annoying—it could be a warning sign of blood pooling in your veins.
Chronic vein problems can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially on long flights or during times of inactivity. A vein doctor can help workers prevent complications with non-surgical vein treatment.
5. Hair Stylists and Barbers
Salon professionals often stand for long hours in one place. This puts pressure on the lower legs, reducing healthy blood flow. Over time, this can lead to visible varicose veins and symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, and restlessness, particularly at night.
The Cleveland Clinic warns that varicose veins may not just be cosmetic—they can signal underlying venous insufficiency that may require professional treatment. Ignoring the signs can lead to long-term damage and affect your ability to stay on your feet and on the job.
Feeling tired legs after every shift isn’t normal. If your legs feel heavy or restless, especially at night, you may be dealing with vein issues. Varicose veins, leg heaviness, and even cramps could be your body's way of telling you to seek vein treatment immediately.
At Center for Vein Restoration, we treat the root of the problem—not just the symptoms. Our vein specialists help people just like you get back on their feet, free of pain and discomfort, using modern, gentle, office-based vein treatments.
CVR accepts a wide range of insurance providers, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and others.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
1. What jobs put me at higher risk for varicose veins and vein disease?
Jobs that involve prolonged standing or sitting—like nursing, teaching, factory work, hair styling, and air travel—can increase your risk of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. These occupations restrict healthy blood flow, causing blood to pool in the legs and leading to symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, and restless legs.
2. Can standing all day at work cause vein problems?
Yes, standing for long hours can increase pressure in the leg veins, weakening the valves and leading to vein disease. Occupations such as nursing, teaching, and salon work are particularly taxing on the legs and can lead to leg heaviness, swelling, and fatigue—early warning signs of venous insufficiency.
3. How do I know if my job is causing my restless legs or leg swelling?
If your symptoms worsen after work and include leg swelling, restless legs, or a feeling of leg discomfort or heaviness, your job could be contributing to vein problems. A board-certified vein specialist can perform a quick, non-invasive test to determine if you have vein disease related to your occupation.
4. What should I do if my legs hurt after work every day?
Ongoing leg pain, fatigue, or swelling after work may indicate chronic venous insufficiency or another form of vein disease. It’s essential to consult a vein specialist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for your veins. The team at Center for Vein Restoration can evaluate your leg veins and develop a customized treatment plan to help you get back to work pain-free.
5. Are there vein treatments for workers who can’t take time off?
Yes! Modern vein treatments at Center for Vein Restoration are minimally invasive and typically performed in-office with little to no downtime. Many workers return to their jobs the same day. If you’re in a job that’s tough on your legs, it’s possible to get relief without missing work.
Standing or sitting for work shouldn’t come at the cost of your leg health. If you're a nurse, teacher, factory worker, stylist, or flight attendant struggling with leg pain, swelling, or restless legs, don’t wait. You may be at risk for vein disease—but the good news is, help is just a step away.
The vein experts at Center for Vein Restoration are trusted by thousands of patients nationwide. We use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat vein problems quickly and comfortably.
Your legs help you earn a living—treat them well. Schedule an evaluation at Center for Vein Restoration today!
Sobre la enfermedades de las venas
Arañas vasculares
Venas varicosas
Tratamientos de enfermedades de las venas
Tratamiento de las arañas vasculares
Tratamiento de venas varicosas
Sobre la enfermedades de las venas
Recursos
El rincón de los médicos