Healthcare Workers - Compression & Leg Health

Why Healthcare Workers Are at Higher Risk

Prolonged Standing, Walking, and Patient Care

Sedentary Tasks & Computer Work

Healthcare Workers

Despite the field they’re in, healthcare workers are at an increased risk for venous disease.

Risk Factors for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare professionals often spend long hours standing, taking care of patients and sitting at a computer to document cases. Many experience tired, achy legs, or swelling at the end of a shift. Not only are these symptoms uncomfortable, but are also a sign of significant risk for developing Chronic Venous Disease (CVD). In the era of COVID-19, this risk is even greater, since medical professionals are spending longer and longer hours on their feet. In fact, it is reported that nearly 70% of healthcare workers are affected by one or more symptoms of CVD.

Nearly 70% of healthcare workers report one or more symptoms of CVD

Tips for Staying Healthy

Fortunately, there are some simple steps healthcare workers can take to increase comfort and minimize the risk of CVD. Wearing medical compression stockings, combined with intermittent movement, can reduce or totally prevent swelling and leg discomfort associated with working in the healthcare field.

Product Recommendations

If you’re looking for compression support during and after long days on your feet, we recommend Silk Support for Women and Cotton Support for Men.

Workplace Compression

Learn more about our workplace compression style and designs

Learn More >

Citations

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/
  • Rabe, Eberhard, et al. “Indications for medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic disorders: An evidence-based consensus statement.” Phlebology (2017): 0268355516689631
  • Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Bush JA, GOTSHALK LA, Wagner PR, Gomez AL, Zatsiorsky VM, Duzrte M, Ratamess NA, Mazzetti SA, Selle BJ. Influence of compression hosiery on physiological responses to standing fatigue in women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2000 Nov 1;32(11):1849-58.
  • Partsch H, Winiger J, Lun B. Compression stockings reduce occupational leg swelling. Dermatologic surgery. 2004 May;30(5):737-43.
  • Belczak CE, Godoy JM, Seidel AC, Ramos RN, Belczak SQ, Caffaro RA. Influence of prevalent occupational position during working day on occupational lower limb edema. Jornal Vascular Brasileiro. 2015 Jun;14(2):153-60.
  • Sudoł-Szopińska I, Bogdan A, Szopiński T, Panorska AK, Kołodziejczak M. Prevalence of chronic venous disorders among employees working in prolonged sitting and standing postures. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. 2011 Jan 1;17(2):165-73.
  • Cires-Drouet RS, Fangyang L, Rosenberger S, Startzel M, Kidwell M, Yokemick J, McDonald T, Carlin M, Sharma J, Sorkin JD, Lal BK. High prevalence of chronic venous disease among health care workers in the United States. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. 2020 Mar 1;8(2):224-30.
  • Diken AI, Yalçınkaya A, Aksoy E, Yılmaz S, Özşen K, Sarak T, Çağlı K. Prevalence, presentation and occupational risk factors of chronic venous disease in nurses. Phlebology. 2016 Mar;31(2):111-7.
  • Ziegler S. Chronic venous disease is highly prevalent in hospital employees. Phlebolymphology. 2006;13(3):150.

Common Leg Symptoms & Early Warning Signs

Swelling and Edema

Aching, Heaviness & Fatigue

Skin Changes & Discomfort

How Compression Supports Healthcare Workers

Medical-Grade Compression Stockings

Thigh High & Knee High Options for Staff

Men’s & Women’s Compression Garments

Tips & Best Practices for Leg Health on the Job

Movement & Micro-breaks During Shifts

Leg Elevation & Rest

Choosing the Right Compression Garment

Recommended Venosan Products for Healthcare Workers

Venosan 6000 Thigh High

Silk Support for Women

Workplace Compression Styles

Evidence & Clinical Support for Compression Use

Studies on Occupational Leg Swelling

Consensus Statements & Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Wear Compression?

Can Compression Prevent Late-Stage Venous Disease?

Are There Contraindications?

Summary & Next Steps

Varicose & Spider Veins

Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners Guide to Compression

Myths About Compression

Factory Workers