Top 5 Health Problems With Standing Only Desks In 2020

The fear of diabetes, cancer, and early death are among the reasons standing desks have grown very popular. These are life-threatening health problems associated with prolonged sitting on the job, and standing desks promises to reduce their risk.  

But very little attention has been given to the harmful effects of standing only desks. There are several hidden downsides to these desks that vendors won't mention. In fact, some of these harmful effects can cause serious health complications in the long run.  

Studies have shown that standing for long hours at work is not good for your health. Therefore, investing in a standing only desk will expose you to more health problems. We have rounded up some of these health complications.  

Here are some of the major health problems with standing only desks: 

1. Swelling Feet and Ankles

Swelling of the feet and ankles is one of the most notable health problems with standing only desks. For the first days of using the desk, everything will work just fine. But with time, you will start experiencing itching and pain in your ankles and feet. The explanation for this problem is pretty simple. 

leg massage for swelling problems

 

When you switch to standing only desk, it means you will work the whole time standing. This means your body weight will put more stress on the lower leg, with the feet and ankles being the most affected. The high pressure from your body weight will put a strain on your leg, feet, and ankles. That's what makes them swell. 

In addition to that, the little movement when standing causes less circulation around the lower limb. The result is inflammation and discomfort. According to research conducted by Boston University, standing for long hours was also found to increase the musculoskeletal pain of the lower leg. That's because of torn muscles and tendons and poor circulation. 

2. Increased Risk of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a medical problem caused by faulty valves in the veins. When the valves allow the blood to flow in the opposite directing, it results in enlarged and twisted veins. The problem mostly affects the legs and, more so, lower leg veins. Although most people don't have any symptoms, varicose veins can be a serious aesthetic concern. 

Standing for long hours has been associated with the risk of varicose veins. That's according to scientific research conducted on people in Denmark people. When standing, the circulation in the lower legs is very low, and this may trigger the blood to start flowing in the opposite direction. That's how using standing alone desks increases the risk of varicose veins.  

The most effective way to avoid varicose veins is taking breaks when working. They help to release pressure in your legs and improve circulation. Therefore, a sit-stand desk would be the ideal desk. If you are working, avoid long strenuous workouts to the legs. 

3. Poor Posture

man suffering from poor posture

 

The widely used marketing gimmick for standing desks is that sitting for long hours causes poor posture. There are many health problems mentioned as a result of poor posture, and the recommended solution is a standing desk. Unfortunately, these desks will not provide a solution to all your posture problems.  

Studies have shown that standing-only desks make the posture problem worse. When standing for long hours, it is very difficult to pay attention to proper ergonomics. With the lower leg, feet, and ankles already giving you problems, you find yourself bending at unhealthy angles e. We all know the problems associated with poor posture, including back and neck pains.  

Note that the spine is also under immense compressed when standing. All these factors make poor posture a big health issue. The solution to the posture problem is improving ergonomic when at work. With standing only desk, you don't enjoy the benefits of height adjustment. What you need is a sit-stand desk to address all your posture problems. 

4. High Risk Of Heart Diseases 

Studies have shown that standing for an extended period increases the risk of heart diseases. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology studied workers in various categories for 12 years. The finding was that workers who spent time standing on the job were twice as likely to develop heart diseases as those who stand and sit or primarily sit. 

But how is the risk of heart diseases increased by standing? If you stand for too long, there is an increased risk of blood pooling in the legs. The pressure in the veins will be increased, as well as the oxidative stress when standing. These are the main factors that contribute to an increase in cardiovascular diseases.  

Therefore, investing in standing-only desks will increase the risk of heart diseases twice. But the solution is simple. The study was based on prolonged standing on the job. If you can reduce the standing time, you will have solved the problem. Having a mix of standing and sitting while working is highly recommended. 

5. Pregnancy Complications

pregnant woman at work

 

Sitting or standing for a prolonged period can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. However, standing for long hours has the most devastating effects on pregnant mothers. One of the complications is preterm birth, which puts the health of the baby at risk. There is also the risk of having babies with low birth weight.  

Did you know that prolonged standing can cause a miscarriage? Well, that's a proven medical fact. Standing for long hours on the job puts pressure on your womb due to the downward pull. In addition to that, standing for long hours has also been found to increase blood pressure, which can cause serious complications during pregnancy like a miscarriage. 

So, if you are working on a standing desk while pregnant, you risk these and many other complications. The best solution is developing a sitting, standing, and walking work pattern. This will help reduce sitting or standing for extended periods. 

In conclusion, these are just some of the health problems associated with a standing only desk. Other health problems include discomfort and muscle fatigue. But when used properly, these desks can be of really big help. The trick is to avoid standing for too long. Try switching from standing to sitting or walking. That's how you will reduce the impact of standing. 



source https://heightadjustableworktable.com/blogs/news/health-problems-with-standing-only-desks

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Using A Standing Desk - Should You Stand All Day?

Image
Now that you have bought a new standing desk or about to get one, how should you use it? Should you stand all day? Absolute not. Standing for long hours is not good for your health. But what’s the proper way of using standing desks? Well, if you are buying these desks for the first time, this article is for you. We have put together interesting facts as to why you need to moderate your standing time. Here is everything you need to know about the proper use of standing desks. But let’s start with why you shouldn’t stand the whole day. Why You Shouldn’t Stand Too Much The fact that they are called standing desks does not mean you stand all day. It will be harmful to your health. These desks are simply designed to help users get rid of a sedentary lifestyle. So, they enable you to avoid sitting for long hours, hence alleviating health problems associated with sedentary life. Standing for too long can cause lower back pains and discomforts in lower limbs problems. By standing for long
Read more

The Surprising History Of Standing Desks

Image
The popularity of standing desks has grown big in the last few decades. The many health benefits offered by these desks is what's fuelling their demand. But most people have been confusing these desks as new products, which is not correct. You will be surprised to learn how old standing desks are. Standing desks have been around for several centuries. But started growing popular late in the 20th century due to increased lifestyle diseases as a result of sedentary life. That's why everyone today wants to switch to standing desks in the office. Although the modern standing desk has been improved in technology, its design and use have not changed. Now, let's look at the long history of the standing desk and its evolution into modern times. History of Standing Desks Nobody can tell when the first standing desk was made or used. But there are pieces of history that can trace when these desks many centuries ago. According to the recorded history, the first time that a stand
Read more

The Value of Standing Desks | This Is What Research Says

Image
Sit-stand desks have to gain popularity in the last few years. From offices to gaming enthusiasts, most people are now going for these desks. But the main reason for this popularity is the many health benefits they offer. But in the recent past, there has been some confusion due to conflicting results on these desks. But what does the research say about the value of sit-stand desks? That's what we have covered for you later in this article. We're going to find out if these desks are still among the best solutions to sedentary behaviours. Can they decrease the health risks associated with sitting for an extended period? That's what we are going to look for in this article. Evidence That Standing Desks Improve Our Health Even with conflicting results, studies show that standing desks improve the user's health. Most of the research work is based on the impact that long sitting hours have on humans. We all know the impact that sedentary behaviour can have on individuals&
Read more