Stand up and get moving!

With the worldwide coronavirus pandemic going on, more Americans than ever before are working from home. It’s more than a little tempting to sit on the couch with your feet propped up and your laptop on your lap. As comfy as that sounds, it’s not good for your legs or the rest of your body.    

Whether you’re working remotely from home or sitting at the office, leg health is an important factor to consider. Proper circulation is crucial to leg comfort and good health. Improper body positioning and sitting for long periods of time can cause leg cramps, fatigue, poor circulation, and aching muscles as well as varicose veins, throbbing, and restless leg syndrome. In turn, poor circulation in your leg veins and arteries could lead to issues in the rest of your body, including heart disease.

You probably don’t have that fancy ergonomic chair and keyboard in your home office (if you do, consider us just a little jealous), but there are ways you can promote good leg health while working from home. Keep reading to check out some of our hints and tips.

Ways to Prevent Leg Pain While Working Remotely

  • Use an actual desk. While it seems cool and fun to relax on the sofa with your laptop, it’s not healthy for your legs or the rest of your body.
  • Sit with your feet flat on the floor. If you, like some of us, are too short, use a footrest or prop up some books for your feet.
  • Stand up every once in a while. If you’re able, take a break every 20 minutes or so to walk around and promote circulation. Standing desks can be very helpful.
  • Do leg exercises: leg lifts, ankle flexes, and calf stretches can keep your legs and muscles from cramping and feeling sore and fatigued.
  • Sometimes compression socks can be worn. These tight and form-fitting socks, or stockings, provide pressure on your leg veins, which helps to keep the blood flowing and thus increases circulation. They also help to ease swelling and may keep you from feeling dizzy when you stand up.

If you’ve been having leg pain or aching muscles and throbbing veins, give American Vein and Vascular a call. Through screenings, consultations, and diagnostic exams, they use the latest technology to treat and prevent vein and vascular issues.

Have you been working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you have any tips for keeping your legs healthy? Let us know in the comments.