How teachers, hairdressers and nurses are at ‘greater risk of Roman health condition’

TEACHERS, hairdressers and nurses are at greater risk of varicose veins, experts have warned.

The professions tend to involve standing for long periods, which reportedly makes people more likely to develop the painful condition.

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Dr Mark Bratby, a consultant interventional radiologist and medical director at Veincentre, told : "Varicose veins are an anatomical problem.

"Only humans have them because we stand upright.

"The problem isn’t a new one. They have always been around, in fact there’s records of varicose veins in Roman times.

"We tend to see a lot of hairdressers, nurses and teachers in the clinic because if you’ve got a problem with your valves and then you’re on your feet all day, you’re likely to get varicose veins."

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This suggests other jobs such as those in retail, housekeeping, hospitality and construction would also be hazardous.

The NHS says: "Some research suggests jobs that require long periods of standing may increase your risk of getting varicose veins.

"This is because your blood does not flow as easily when you're standing for long periods of time."

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet.

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They can be blue or dark purple, and often look lumpy, bulging or twisted.

Sometimes they're painless, but other times they can be accompanied by:

• Aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
• Swollen feet and ankles
• A burning or throbbing sensation in the legs
• Muscle cramps in the legs, particularly at night
• Dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein

They can also hike the likelihood of developing blood clots, which can be dangerous.

Symptoms are usually worse during warm weather, or if you've been standing up for long periods.

The condition is largely genetic, but there are some other risk factors.

This includes being female, older, overweight, pregnant or other health conditions like a previous blood clot, swelling in the pelvis or abnormal blood vessels.

However, there are some things you can do to lower your chances, according to Dr Bratby.

"Keeping healthy, eating well, not eating too many ultra processed foods, looking after your weight and exercising as much as you can are all good for many reasons, including your arterial health," he said.