Are Stockings Good for Spider Veins?

Are you hesitant to show off your legs for fear that others will be able to see the thin red, blue, and/or purple damaged veins that plague the surface of your legs? Although these small veins are not usually painful at all, they do not look pretty, and can oftentimes cause people to feel ashamed or embarrassed to wear clothing that reveals their legs. For this reason, most people who have spider veins opt to go through some kind of vein procedure in order to have them removed.

Damaged veins like this are referred to as spider veins, and they can appear up and down the leg in the form of simple lines, or look more like a web or branch coming out from a tree. Sometimes they are even referred to as a “thread veins.”

Where do these spider veins come from? When the valves inside the veins stop functioning the way they should, they become weak or damaged and the vein cannot properly carry blood back to the heart. As the blood flow becomes compromised and doesn’t move the way that it should, it begins to pool inside the vein. Over time, this pooling of blood causes the vein to enlarge and branch out, becoming visible through the surface of the skin.

Spider veins differ from varicose veins in that they do not cause the same kind of painful, uncomfortable symptoms, although sometimes they may cause a mild discomfort or burning sensation. They also do not appear twisted or like lumps in the flesh the way that varicose veins do.

Spider veins are most commonly seen on the legs, around the things, ankles or calves. Those who are more at-risk for spider veins include females, pregnant women, those with a genetic family history of spider veins, older individuals, those who are overweight, those who are taking birth control or other hormonal control medication, and those who have had previous blood clots or vein damage. In addition, sitting or standing for extended periods of time and excess sun exposure can also cause spider vein to occur.

Fox Vein & Laser Experts is a premier vein center in Miami that has an expert team of vein doctors who have years of experience performing successful vascular procedures that both destroy and remove these damaged veins from the body. Our Miami vein center uses top-of-the-line advanced technology to conduct our spider and varicose vein treatments. These treatments include Ambulatory Phlebectomy, Visual Sclerotherapy, Endovenous Laser Ablation, Clarivein®, Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy, VeinGogh, VenaSeal™, and Foam Sclerotherapy.

Regardless of which spider or varicose vein removal treatment you go through, Miami varicose vein doctor Dr. Susan Fox always recommends that her patients wear compression stockings following the treatment and during their recovery in an effort to help maintain the successful results from the procedure.

How To Use Compression Stockings

Compression stockings or compression hose are garments made out of elastic that help maintain blood flow in the legs and can reduce the risk of developing further venous complications or conditions.

These stockings can be worn as a precaution, i.e., if you experience swelling, or tired and achy legs or any other symptoms of an oncoming venous deficiency, or as part of vein treatment recovery protocol. Compression stockings are designed to prevent venous diseases such as edema, thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins, and spider veins.

The stockings are meant to fit securely and tightly around the ankle, and will decrease in that tightness as they move up the leg, at their loosest around the thigh. The purpose of the tight, squeezing sensation is to put pressure on the tissue that is right underneath the skin and push back any excess fluid from the veins back into the capillaries and ultimately relieve any swelling or discomfort. Wearing these stockings can greatly improve blood flow, and has proven to be a very important part of vein treatment recovery for many of our patients at Fox Vein & Laser Experts.

There is no one size fits all when it comes to these stockings, however. As part of our highly personalized treatment service, our team will go over all of your compression stocking choices with you, including the various sizes, colors, materials, and styles. The most important thing is to choose the correct size to ensure that just the right amount of pressure is being imposed onto your leg(s). Too tight, and the stockings will not only be very uncomfortable, but they could in fact cut off, rather than promote, circulation. Too loose, and the stockings won’t provide enough compression and thus, won’t be effective in their treatment.

Our vein experts will take all the necessary measurements and take into consideration your own individual situation in order to make sure that you have exactly the right compression stockings that you need for the most effective and efficient treatment, whether it’s as a preventative treatment or part of your recovery protocol.

Benefits of Compression Stockings

These stockings are not meant to be used to make certain shoes feel more comfortable or to look fashionable — these are for medical use to help with spider veins and other venous complications.

The main benefit of wearing these compression stockings is to promote good circulation and blood flow within the legs. Improved circulation and decreased swelling help reduce any pain or discomfort you may be feeling. Improved circulation also helps our body absorb nutrients more effectively. The hose can also shrink the size of veins that are distended from the body, reduce the risk of blood clots in the lower extremities, and reduce feelings of fatigue, achiness, or heaviness that you may be experiencing in your legs.

Although it’s most common for people to wear compression stockings or hose as a preventative measure or after going through a vein treatment procedure, there are some people who choose to wear them even if they are not necessarily experiencing pain, discomfort, or swelling in their legs. As mentioned, the primary advantage of wearing compression stockings is that they greatly increase circulation and blood flow, something that can deteriorate as we grow older. The elderly, especially those who do not engage in regular activity or exercise, may experience less than adequate blood flow, and will rely on help from compression stockings to increase their circulation.

Compression stockings are meant to fit very snuggly and must put pressure on the legs in order to work properly, but as long as they are the correct fit and size, they will not cause discomfort or cause any difficulty in movement. The stockings are not bothersome either, as they can fit perfectly right underneath regular clothing, and are very easy to put on and take on.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Are you seeking out a vein doctor in Miami? With locations in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines, Fox Vein & Laser Experts treats patients all over Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Susan Fox is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of damaged veins and vascular disease, and our team will walk you through everything you need to know about compression stockings and post-treatment protocol once you have completed the procedure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling 954-627-1045 or visit us online to request  an appointment.