Do Compression Stockings Help to Treat Varicose Veins

Treating your varicose veins becomes a huge priority once you’ve discovered the thick, ropey looking lumps on your thighs and calves. You’re likely uncomfortable, looking for any kind of varicose vein relief, and want it fast. We totally understand.

Wide Range of Treatments for Varicose Veins

varicose veins

At Fox Vein & Laser Experts in Hollywood, we have a wide range of treatments for varicose veins. We also receive a ton of questions about how to treat varicose veins, one of them being, ‘Do compression stockings help to treat varicose veins?”

That’s a great question – and we have a few different ways to answer this for you.

For patients with any kind of venous deficiency, particularly varicose veins, we often recommend the use of compression stockings, also known as compression hose. These compression stockings are elastic garments worn on the legs that are designed to prevent the progression or onset of venous diseases such as:

Edema

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Varicose veins and Spider Veins

Phlebitis

Other vascular conditions

They’re effective, necessary in many venous related conditions, and are suggested for use after any vein treatment. Keyword: after.

Following a vein removal procedure, wearing compression hose helps to maintain and add longevity to your results. Will they take away any vein complications all by themselves? Not necessarily.

Here’s How Compression Stockings actually work:

Though compression hose comes in a variety of sizes, most types go over the feet and extend up to or just below the hips but can go to the lees or be pantyhose. These stockings place graduated pressure on the lower extremities, which results in improved blood flow against gravity from the feet and legs back up to the heart. Improving blood flow in your legs is the single most important function of compression stockings. This helps prevent leg swelling and, to a lesser extent, blood clots

There are other benefits to wear compression stockings as well. Varicose and spider veins can develop as a result of insufficient blood flow and subsequent pooling of the blood in the veins. Compression hose helps with the function of valves within the veins, reducing the diameter of distended veins, and increasing blood flow velocity without hindering your movement or decreasing your comfort. Most styles and materials of compression hose can be easily worn underneath regular clothing and are easy to take on and off

Speaking of wearing the hose, here’s what you need to know:

Size, in this case, matters more than anything. Wearing a pair that is too tight will leave you feeling incredibly uncomfortable, and wearing a pair that isn’t tight enough may not serve its purpose. It is critical that you get fitted by a professional like Dr Susan Fox at Fox Vein & Laser Experts.

compression stockingsDuring your consultation at Fox Vein & Laser Experts Miami, our medical team will use your unique condition and measurements to help you ensure that you choose the right size. There are various types of compression stocking depending on your venous condition, and our medical team can answer your questions and make suggestions for which variety of compression hose you should be wearing. You will be able to choose between a variety of colors that best matches your skin, and you will be guided towards choosing the right length and protocol for how long to wear your compression hose.

One thing to consider when beginning a protocol involving compression hose is that they may be difficult to put on for some people. If it’s hard for you to put on the stockings, try these tips:

Apply lotion on your legs and allow it to dry before you put on the stockings.

Use a little baby powder or cornstarch on your legs to help the stockings slide up.

Put on rubber dish washing gloves to help adjust the stockings and smooth them out.

Use a special gadget called a stocking to Donner to slide the stocking over your foot. You can buy a Donner at a medical supply store or online.

Contact us at Fox Vein & Laser Experts

For more answers to your compression hose questions, contact a professional at Fox Vein & Laser Experts today!