The MTA Speaks| Prayer times| Weather Update| Gold Price
Follow Us: Facebook Instagram YouTube twitter

Expert Suggests Quick Ankle Pump to Counteract the Effects of Sitting

Expert Suggests Quick Ankle Pump to Counteract the Effects of Sitting

Post by : Saif Al-Najjar

Extended periods of sitting at work can quietly undermine your vascular health. Occupations with desk work, continuous meetings, and pressing deadlines often leave employees seated for too long, hampering blood flow in the legs. This inactivity can result in issues like heaviness, swelling, fatigue, and even elevate the risk of serious problems such as varicose veins or blood clots. Although taking short walks every hour is ideal, specialists recommend an easy seated exercise to enhance circulation and safeguard leg health.

Dr. Sumit Kapadia, a seasoned vascular surgeon and varicose vein expert, recently highlighted an effective desk exercise via Instagram. In a video shared on November 29, Dr. Kapadia demonstrated that incorporating ankle pumps for a few minutes every hour can mitigate vascular damage linked to lengthy sitting durations.

Prolonged sitting impacts the vascular system by diminishing blood movement in the legs. “Sitting too long hampers blood flow, leading to various complications,” Dr. Kapadia noted. Over time, this can cause issues including leg heaviness, swelling, varicose veins, poor circulation, and in severe cases, an escalated risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a potentially dangerous form of blood clot.

The ankle pump exercise is straightforward. Dr. Kapadia recommends moving your ankles up and down 20 to 30 times every hour. This small movement activates the calf muscles, often referred to as the “peripheral heart,” aiding in returning blood to the heart. The entire workout lasts roughly 30 seconds but substantially benefits leg circulation and health.

Consistently doing ankle pumps can yield numerous advantages. It boosts blood flow in the legs, alleviates swelling, decreases clot risks, and prevents end-of-day fatigue. Even if you can't step away from your desk, this brief exercise can keep your legs healthier and more comfortable.

While Dr. Kapadia stresses that ankle pumps shouldn’t replace full movement, they are a feasible solution for those with demanding schedules. Introducing this simple exercise into your work routine can significantly diminish the adverse effects of prolonged sitting and enhance long-term vascular health.

Dec. 1, 2025 5:29 p.m. 206
Health

More Trending News

Featured Stories

KC-135 Crash Raises Questions About Parachutes in Military Flights
March 14, 2026 4:22 p.m.
A KC-135 tanker crash in Kyrgyzstan sparks safety questions as experts discuss parachutes, crew size, and the plane’s strong safety record
Read More
George Russell Wins Chinese GP Sprint, Extends F1 Lead
March 14, 2026 1:09 p.m.
George Russell won the Chinese Grand Prix sprint in Shanghai, beating Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to extend his F1 championship lead
Read More
Cyprus Targets Gas Exports by 2028 to Boost EU Energy Security
March 14, 2026 12:34 p.m.
Cyprus plans to start natural gas exports by 2028 from the Cronos field, aiming to strengthen Europe’s energy security amid rising Middle East tensions
Read More
North Korea Fires 10 Ballistic Missiles During US–South Korea Drills
March 14, 2026 11:54 a.m.
North Korea launched up to 10 ballistic missiles into the sea as the US and South Korea held military drills, raising tensions in the region
Read More
Spirit Airlines to Cut Fleet to 80 Jets in Bankruptcy Plan
March 14, 2026 11:17 a.m.
Spirit Airlines plans to shrink its fleet to about 76–80 aircraft by 2026 as part of a major restructuring plan to reduce debt and stabilize finances after bank
Read More
Dubai Launches ‘Itma’en’ Hotline for Free Mental Health Support
March 14, 2026 10:17 a.m.
Dubai introduces the free ‘Itma’en’ mental health hotline, offering confidential guidance and support daily for residents, citizens, and visitors
Read More
Atlanta Film Industry Slumps After 15 Years of Growth
March 13, 2026 1:37 p.m.
After 15 years of growth, Georgia’s film industry slows as fewer productions and overseas competition leave many Atlanta film workers struggling
Read More
Qatar Airways to Run Limited Flights Until March 17
March 13, 2026 12:53 p.m.
Qatar Airways will operate a limited number of flights from March 13–17 after the closure of Qatari airspace disrupted travel for thousands of passengers
Read More
UAE Says Situation Safe After Missile Threat Alert
March 13, 2026 12:19 p.m.
UAE says situation is safe after air defences intercepted missiles and drones. Residents can resume normal life but must stay alert and follow official updates
Read More
Sponsored
Trending News