Compression Stockings: Managing Varicose Veins
Compression stockings are an effective tool for managing symptoms associated with varicose veins and play a crucial role in post-treatment recovery. These specialised garments provide therapeutic pressure to the legs, improving blood circulation and alleviating discomfort, while also being essential for optimal healing after procedures such as sclerotherapy or laser treatment. Let’s explore how they work and why they might be beneficial for you.
What Are Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings are designed to fit snugly around your legs, applying graduated pressure that is strongest at the ankles and gradually decreases up the leg. This design aids in enhancing venous blood flow by counteracting gravity’s effects on blood circulation. Compression stockings are different from Thrombo-Embolic Deterrent (TED) socks which are often supplied during a hospital stay. TED socks/stockings are not suitable for varicose veins.
How Do They Work?
- Enhancing Circulation
The primary function of compression stockings is to improve venous return—the process of blood flowing back to the heart. By compressing surface veins, arteries, and muscles, these stockings help increase blood velocity while reducing vein diameter. This prevents pooling of blood in the lower extremities, which can lead to swelling and discomfort.
- Reducing Swelling
Swelling often occurs when fluid accumulates in tissues due to poor circulation or prolonged periods of standing or sitting. Compression stockings help maintain proper vascular health by ensuring that superficial veins do not expand excessively, thus preventing fluid retention.
- Alleviating Pain
Varicose veins can cause significant pain due to increased pressure within swollen vessels. By facilitating better circulation, compression stockings reduce venous pressure and reduce symptoms like heaviness, aching, or throbbing sensations often experienced by those with varicose veins.
- Easing Night Cramps
Nighttime leg cramps can be a distressing symptom for many individuals with varicose veins or poor circulation issues. Wearing compression stockings during the day ensures improved muscle oxygenation through enhanced blood flow—this may contribute significantly towards reducing cramping episodes at night.
Importance After Varicose Vein Treatment
Full-leg compression stockings play a crucial role following treatments such as sclerotherapy or Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). Post-treatment care involves wearing these garments for at least 2 weeks for:
- Promoting Healing: Compression helps seal treated veins effectively while minimising bruising.
- Enhancing Outcomes: Consistent use after procedures aids in achieving optimal results.
- Preventing Complications: Reduces the risk of recurrence over time.
The use of full-leg compression ensures comprehensive support throughout the recovery period, contributing significantly to the long-term success of the treatment. Vein Health Medical Clinic provides their patients with Class 2 Graduated Compression Stockings post treatment from Sigvaris Stockings
Watch as Dr Peter Paraskevas expertly fits a patient with high-quality compression stockings, an essential part of their vein healing process after treatment.
Compression stockings are a valuable tool in managing the symptoms of varicose veins and improving overall leg health, especially after treatment procedures like sclerotherapy or EVLA. With numerous styles and colours now available, alongside proven effectiveness in maintaining vascular health, quality compression socks and stockings can be a good choice.
You will still need varicose vein treatment.
Compression stockings can help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, but they aren’t a permanent solution. Varicose veins won’t resolve on their own, and medical treatment from a vein specialist or phlebologist is often required to address them effectively. While compression stockings provide temporary relief and can slow the progression, they do not offer a cure for varicose veins. To achieve lasting results, professional vein treatment is usually necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Improved Circulation: Compression stockings enhance blood flow back to the heart, reducing swelling and discomfort.
- Pain Relief: They alleviate symptoms like heaviness and throbbing associated with varicose veins.
- Night Cramp Reduction: Enhanced blood flow during the day helps reduce nighttime leg cramps.
- Post-Treatment Support: Full-leg options are required after treatment to promote healing and enhance outcomes after sclerotherapy/EVLA treatments.
- Daily Use Benefits: Ideal for those who stand or sit for long periods, providing continuous support throughout the day.
