Compression Socks Supposed to Cure Varicose Veins

Varicose veins got you feeling down, embarrassed to show off your legs, and distressed from feeling uncomfortable or experiencing painful symptoms? Miami’s premier vein center, Fox Vein & Laser Experts, is here to help!

Not only is Fox Vein & Laser Experts well known in the Miami area for offering the most effective and efficient varicose vein treatments on the market, but we are also well known for having the best Fort Lauderdale varicose vein doctor, Dr. Susan Fox, who is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and other venous diseases.

First thing’s first: what are varicose veins? Varicose veins are damaged veins that occur as a result of a lack of proper blood flow. When blood isn’t flowing through the veins as it should be, it causes the veins to fill up with blood and appear swollen and larger than normal. Varicose veins most commonly occur in the lower extremities. Symptoms of varicose veins can be merely visible, without much pain or discomfort. The veins will look dark blue or purple and can look like twisted ropes that are bulging out of the skin. The ankles or skin around your calf may appear thick or swollen too. Most of the time, however, there are painful and uncomfortable symptoms that go hand-in-hand with varicose veins. These symptoms include a burning sensation, throbbing pain, or an achy, heavy feeling in the legs. You may also experience muscle cramping, itching or a sore or rash around the site of the affected veins, or increased pain or discomfort after sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Our Miami vein clinic specializes in varicose vein removal using technologically advanced and minimally invasive treatments such as Ambulatory Phlebectomy, Visual Sclerotherapy, Endovenous Laser Ablation, Clarivein®, Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy, VeinGogh, VenaSeal™, and Foam Sclerotherapy. While these treatments all vary in procedure details and some target specific types of veins, there is one common thread among all of these treatments: the use of compression socks as part of the post-treatment recovery.

Dr. Fox and her team always recommend that her patients wear compression socks in the weeks following any varicose vein removal treatment. These socks are also helpful when worn as a preventative measure if you are at risk for developing varicose veins or other vein conditions.

But can these socks ultimately be the cure for your varicose veins? Let’s explore the advantages of wearing compression socks a little further.

What are Compression Socks?

Compression socks, sometimes also referred to as compression stockings or compression hose, have one main primary purpose: to increase blood flow in the legs. People use them in various ways. Some may wear them to increase their comfort level, or to improve their sports performance. They are also worn by people who stand or sit a lot for work or other activities that are part of their daily routine or someone who travels a lot and/or spends a lot of time sitting on an airplane, e.g., a pilot. Women who are pregnant or those who have a hard time getting out of bed or moving their legs, in general, may also use compression socks.

The specific use of compression socks that our medical team at Fox Vein & Laser Experts is most interested in is more medical-related. We recommend wearing compression socks for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions such as circulation problems, varicose veins, blood clotting, or deep vein thrombosis, which is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot that is located in a deep vein.

Compression socks are essentially just a special kind of socks. They are made to fit very tightly around the leg, just enough to squeeze and put pressure on it without cutting off any circulation. The pressure put forth by the stockings helps blood to flow more freely throughout the body, making it easier for the veins to send blood to the heart.

Compression socks are snug yet stretchy and will get looser the higher up the leg they go. Many types of compression socks are available over the counter at drugstores, medical supply stores, and sports retail stores, or they can be purchased online. Some cost as little as $10, while others could be up to $100 per pair. In the event that your compression socks are prescribed by your Aventura vein doctor or healthcare provider, your health insurance may help cover the cost.

Are Compression Socks Supposed to Cure Varicose Veins?

These special types of socks or stockings are used to help prevent and treat varicose veins, as well as smaller spider veins, and can ease any pain, fatigue, discomfort, and swelling experienced in the feet and/or ankles.

Compression socks have been used to successfully treat varicose veins and other vein conditions for over a century. However, preventing and treating damaged veins is different than providing an actual cure for the damaged vein. The compression socks are meant to improve the function of the valves found within a vein, which then decreases the size of the enlarged vein and increases the blood flow without creating any discomfort or causing any lack of mobility in the legs. While the compression socks are not an absolute end-all-be-all cure for varicose veins and other venous conditions, they can certainly help relieve any symptoms that a person with varicose veins experiences, and can be a big help in preventing varicose veins from occurring in someone who may be prone to developing this issue due to other predisposing conditions or a family history of vein or circulation problems. If you already have varicose veins, wearing compression stockings can help keep them from getting any worse and also reduce your risk of developing further complications such as deep vein thrombosis or ulcers that result from the untreated varicose veins.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Whether you are predisposed to varicose veins and want to take precautionary measures through the use of compression socks, or you want to go through treatment to get rid of your varicose veins and will need compression socks after the procedure is complete, now is the time to call us and schedule an appointment at either of our offices located in Pembroke Pines or Hollywood.

Dr. Fox and her medical team can help you select the best compression socks for your individual situation, either pre-or post-treatment. There are many different sizes, lengths, materials, and colors to choose from. Some compression socks go all the way up the leg, some stop below the knee, and some are full-length stockings. They are easy to put on and take off and will fit underneath your regular clothing with no problem at all. Consulting with an expert is the best way to ensure you choose the most effective pair for your particular vein condition. We will measure your legs and take your prior and current health into consideration when helping you to decide on a pair of compression socks.

Our varicose vein staff at Fox Vein & Laser Experts has your best interest in mind. We are here to help you feel comfortable every step of the way, before, during, and after your varicose vein treatment. Call us today at 954-627-1045 for a consultation, or visit our website to request an appointment online.