Chronic Venous Disease: A Workplace Health Concern Many Men Ignore
Chronic venous disease affects between 20 and 25% of Canadian adults, particularly those over 50 years of age. While the condition is often associated with women — largely due to the visibility of varicose veins — it is by no means gender-specific. Men who work in physically demanding industries such as construction, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and healthcare are disproportionately affected, as their jobs place long-term strain on the veins in their legs.
What Is Chronic Venous Disease?
Also known as chronic venous insufficiency, this condition occurs when the valves in the veins of the legs become weakened, allowing blood to pool in the lower legs. Over time, this can lead to a range of uncomfortable and potentially serious symptoms.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
Symptoms may include swelling, cramps, heaviness, varicose veins, restless legs, itching, or skin. However, these early warning signs can be subtle and are often dismissed as ordinary work-related fatigue.
“Many workers assume that leg problems are just part of their job,” said Dr. Sanjiv Lakhanpal, President and CEO of the Center for Vein Restoration. “Over time, this assumption can delay the diagnosis of a treatable condition.”
According to Lakhanpal, the first signs of venous insufficiency are rarely dramatic. “Tired legs after a shift, progressive swelling towards the end of the day — these are the symptoms that men feel quite normally,” he said. “They are clinical signals that require attention.”
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Vein specialists warn that ignoring symptoms can lead to more serious complications, including skin damage, blood clots, and chronic ulcers. The good news is that venous insufficiency can be diagnosed with a thorough clinical examination and non-invasive venous ultrasound, according to Niagara Vascular.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Vein Health
There are several simple, actionable steps workers can take to reduce the impact of chronic venous disease on their quality of life. Lakhanpal recommended incorporating the following habits into your daily routine:
— Change standing positions regularly to avoid constant pressure on the same leg muscles.
— Stand on your tiptoes and lift your calves briefly during breaks to support blood flow back to the heart.
— Elevate your legs for short periods after long shifts to relieve pressure on your veins.
— Stay hydrated while working, especially in hot or busy environments.
— Watch for persistent ankle swelling or skin discoloration, as these may signal more than just tired legs.
Don’t Treat Discomfort as Normal
“What we see again and again is that men in physically demanding jobs view discomfort as an expected part of the job,” Lakhanpal added. “This assumption can delay treatment for conditions that are both diagnosable and treatable. Symptoms deserve evaluation, not resignation.”
For more health news and content about illnesses, conditions, wellness, healthy living, medications, treatments and more, visit Healthing.ca — a member of the Postmedia Network.
