Archive

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Med. Pr. 2006;57(3):263-269

The influence of prolonged sedentary work on the development of lower limbs edema and methods of its prevention

Wpływ długotrwałej pracy w pozycji siedzącej na powstawanie obrzęków kończyn dolnych i metody ich zapobiegania

Iwona Sudoł-Szopińska Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Warszawa, Poland

Abstract

Prolonged sitting may lead to numerous complications of general nature such as fatigue or discomfort, but also to diseases of the musculosceletal system (the spine and upper limbs), chronic veins insufficiency, deep veins thrombosis as well as obesity with its further, mostly cardiovascular consequences. Due to the dynamic growth of new workplaces associated with the introduction of modern technologies, the frequency of these health problems has increased over the recent years. This paper presents an overview of complications of long-term work performed in a sedentary position on the functioning of the lower limbs venous system. The etiology of lower limbs edema, diagnostic methods, and proposed preventative measures to eliminate or reduce swelling ofthe legs are presented, including optimization of workplaces, organizational interventions, and promotion of the health culture.

Key words

edema, pitting, long-term work, edema prevention