Compression Stockings for Varicose Veins: The Simple Solution That Works!

80% of patients with chronic venous insufficiency reported a big reduction in symptoms like leg swelling and leg pain after wearing compression socks for at least six months. Research proves compression stockings work for venous disorders. A study in The Lancet found that patients who wore prescription compression stockings for a long time had a big reduction in leg swelling and discomfort.

What Are Compression Stockings?

Compression stockings are special tights designed to support the circulation of blood and reduce leg discomfort. They apply controlled pressure to the legs to counteract the effect of gravity on blood flow, which is important for individuals with venous insufficiency and conditions like varicose veins and spider veins.

Compression stockings are prescribed to:

• Relieve swelling;
• Prevent venous disorders;
• Reduce leg pain;

Compression stockings come in different pressure levels, from mild (under 20 mmHg) to high (up to 40 mmHg).

Graduated elastic compression stockings apply more pressure at the ankle and gradually decrease towards the knee or thigh, which helps push blood up towards the heart and prevents blood from pooling in the superficial veins.

Patients can choose:

• Knee-high stockings for mild symptoms;
• Thigh-high stockings for more severe venous conditions;

Medical-grade compression stockings usually require a prescription, as their pressure levels are designed to treat specific medical conditions, such as:

• Chronic venous insufficiency;
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT);
• Venous ulcers;

Compression stockings are available at medical supply stores, and in some cases, insurance companies may cover the cost if prescribed for medical reasons.

Studies show that when you wear compression stockings it can reduce the symptoms of venous disorders and patients feel relief from leg pain, swelling, and heaviness caused by symptomatic varicose veins.

How Compression Stockings Help Varicose Veins

Compression stockings are the foundation of treatment for varicose veins and other venous diseases. They are a simple, non-invasive way to improve circulation and reduce associated symptoms.

For patients considering compression stockings for varicose veins, the benefits go beyond immediate symptom relief. Wearing them regularly can maintain leg health, prevent further progression of varicose veins, and improve overall well-being.

By applying graduated pressure, compression stockings:

• Improve circulation in the leg veins;
• Help flow back to the heart;

For patients with varicose veins, compression stockings reduce the venous pressure in the legs and prevent blood from pooling in the superficial veins, which can cause the veins to become enlarged and painful.

Wearing compression stockings daily has been proven to relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, such as swelling, tired legs, and discomfort.

For people with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or at risk of blood clots compression socks prevent complications by ensuring continuous blood circulation and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism where a blood clot travels to the lungs.

Compression therapy can reduce the risk of venous ulcers, which are painful sores that occur when poor circulation causes skin breakdown.

Compression stockings improve venous hypertension by reducing pressure inside the leg veins, which can cause chronic venous disorders and other vein diseases.

For patients with venous disease, including spider veins and reticular veins, wearing stockings reduces pain, prevents the progression of varicose veins, and improves overall leg appearance.

Who Benefits from Compression Stockings?

Compression stockings are good for many people, especially those who suffer from venous illnesses.

1. Individuals with varicose veins or spider veins get the most benefit from wearing them as they improve circulation and reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs.
2. In other individuals with venous insufficiency, compression stockings help prevent blood from pooling in the enlarged veins, which can make varicose veins worse, causing pain, fatigue, and swelling.
3. Pregnant women are another group that benefits from compression stockings:
   • Pregnancy puts extra pressure on the veins in the legs, which can cause varicose veins and other venous conditions.
   • Wearing thigh-high compression stockings during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of getting varicose veins by improving circulation.
4. Persons who are at risk of blood clots, such as:
   • Those with a history of DVT;
   • Who has had recent surgery;
5. Individuals who spend long periods standing or sitting, such as:
   • Healthcare workers;
   • Teachers and office employees;

These people often have heavy legs and swelling, which can be relieved by wearing compression socks all day.

Compression socks prevent from developing of a blood clot by promoting healthy blood circulation in the legs and reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism.

The latest data from Journal of Vascular Surgery says that compression therapy can reduce post surgical complications by 30-50% in patients undergoing vein treatment. Studies show that regular use of graduated compression stockings can prevent more severe venous disorders and keep the legs healthy.

Choosing the Right Compression Stocking

Choosing the right compression stockings is key to getting the best results. Compression stockings come in different types and levels of compression strength and should be chosen based on the medical condition and symptoms.

• For mild leg discomfort or slight swelling, knee-high stockings with lower pressure (10-15 mmHg) may be enough to help. These are available over the counter at medical supply shops or pharmacies.
• For more severe conditions like chronic venous insufficiency or after surgical treatment of varicose veins, prescription compression stockings with medium to high pressure (20-40 mmHg) are usually recommended.
  • These compression stockings provide more support and controlled pressure and are good for treating blood clots and preventing varicose veins from getting worse.
  • Consult a healthcare provider before buying these stockings, as they can guide you on the right pressure level.

When buying stockings, make sure they fit right. A wrong size can cause discomfort, worsen symptoms or even causing skin irritation.

Properly fitted stockings should feel snug but not too tight, and the pressure should decrease gradually from ankle to thigh. It’s always good to have a professional fitting to make sure you wear the right stockings that will give you the benefits.

Wearing Compression Stockings

Using and caring for compression stockings is critical to getting the benefits and making them last longer:

• When wearing compression socks, put them on in the morning before any swelling occurs in the legs. This is when the legs are least swollen, and it’s easier to slide them on.
• Slowly roll the stocking over the foot. Don’t bunch up the fabric, as wrinkles can cause discomfort or skin irritation.
• Compression stockings should be worn all day but can be removed at night unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
• Some patients may need to wear compression stockings, which are thigh-highs or knee-highs, depending on their condition and the level of pressure needed.
• Caring for compression socks means washing them regularly to keep them elastic:
  • Hand washing with mild soap is recommended as it helps extend the life of the stockings and prevents damage.
  • Don’t use hot water or wring the stockings, as this can damage the material.
• Compression stockings should be replaced every 3-6 months to keep them at the right pressure level.
• Compression stockings check with your insurance company to see if they cover the cost as some conditions may be covered.

By following these tips, patients can get the most out of compression therapy, maintain healthy circulation, and reduce venous symptoms.

The Power of Compression Stockings

The idea to wear compression stockings is a proven way to treat varicose veins and prevent them from getting worse.

While there’s no evidence that over-the-counter compression socks can completely cure varicose vein problems, studies show that when you decide to wear stockings, it makes your legs feel better and reduces swelling if used consistently.

For every person who needs more support, medical-grade compression stockings with different pressures may be needed, and depending on the diagnosis, insurance may cover the cost.

Proper care is important when wearing stockings to avoid skin irritation and get the most out of them. You can purchase stockings from a medical supply store or need support hose for a specific medical condition. Consult a healthcare provider at Beso Vein Clinic so you get the right fit and pressure for your needs.

Compression therapy is a simple and effective way to take care of your veins and quality of life if you have venous illnesses and need relief from symptoms.