A lot of adults have high risks of getting varicose veins, especially women. Hormonal imbalances plus pregnancy and menopause put women at much higher risk compared to men. Fortunately, there are lots of remedies and treatments that can lessen the appearance of these veins or at least ease the legs from the pain that may come from them. One of these remedies is wearing compression stockings.
So how do compression tights for varicose veins work? Compression stockings improve the circulation of blood from the veins back to the heart. Varicose veins are commonly found in the legs and feet because from down here, the return of blood to the heart has the farthest travel. Compression leggings can stop varicose veins and spider veins from getting worse and reduce the pain and discomfort in the legs.
How Do Compression Stockings or Compression Tights Varicose Veins Work?
Varicose veins are typically due to venous insufficiency, which is an underlying vein condition that occurs when a person’s veins in their lower leg become damaged. This makes the blood reflux back into the vessel instead of moving toward the heart. The reflux causes the swelling of the vessel, thus the formation of varicose veins.
The use of compression garment to improve circulation goes way back. The authors of Sclerotherapy: Treatment of Varicose and Telangiectatic Leg Veins said that Roman soldiers commonly wrapped their legs in leather straps. This is to improve the circulation of blood during those long and grueling marches, which will surely result in swollen legs and leg fatigue.
Of course, we don’t have to use leather straps now because we have compression stockings in place to address poor circulation. These are designed to provide consistent pressure in the legs to help the blood flow back to the heart smoothly. The pressure exerted by the compression hosiery near the ankle and foot provides an additional squeeze that promotes the flow of blood and prevents blood clot.
Because of the support in the blood flow and decrease of the pressure inside the veins, compression stockings are recommended for providing relief for the pain and discomfort that comes with having varicose veins.
Stockings alone aren’t enough to eliminate varicose veins, but according to studies, they can improve some of their symptoms. This is done with the help of different types of stockings available for this purpose and comes in different amounts of pressure that can be exerted on the legs. Another study claimed that wearing stockings for six months can help control the leg swelling of pregnant women with varicose veins.
Compression therapy can’t reverse the permanent damage brought by venous insufficiency to the vein. Compression stockings can only provide relief from some symptoms, but they won’t yield changes to the underlying condition. Wearing them doesn’t address complications that may result from serious venous disorder problems, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Learn More: When To Worry About Varicose Veins?
Which Type of Compression Stocking Should You Use?
There are several factors to be considered when it comes to choosing the right amount of stockings to address varicose vein and superficial vein problems. There are three main types of stockings: support pantyhose, compression socks and stockings, and prescription compression stockings.
Among the three, support pantyhose has the least amount of compression which may not be ideal for those with regular leg pain but enough for others who only need light support for daily wear. Compression socks and stockings, which offer moderate compression, are available in a range of pressures and you can buy them at pharmacies, drugstores, and online shops.
If you need the strongest amount of support, you should definitely go for prescription compression stockings. These are fitted by a specialist so they can provide the tightest fit possible without affecting a patient’s blood circulation.
These graduated compression stockings come in knee-high or thigh-high, with the former working best to provide circulation for the lower leg and during workouts. Thigh-high stockings are recommended for those with varicose veins, although these are normally used for patients after their surgery. The medical compression stockings serve to prevent blood clots, especially after knee replacement surgery.
Learn More: What Are The Options For Varicose Vein Surgery?
When Should You Wear Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings are usually worn during the day because this is the time that they usually stand and sit upright, which can cause blood circulation troubles. For those with heavy varicose vein problems, the doctor may recommend wearing the stockings even at night.
Risks of Compression Stockings
As expected, compression stockings can be very difficult to put on given the tightness of the material. Make sure that your legs are clean and dry before putting them on. If you’re putting on lotion, wait for it to be fully absorbed by your skin before you wear the compression hose. Wearing gradient compression stockings does have some side effects such as discomfort, skin irritation, broken skin, and temporary dents in the skin.
These can happen especially when you wear wrinkled stockings or if you wear the stockings incorrectly, or if you’re wearing the wrong size. You’re most likely to experience side effects if you wear compression stockings for too long. Take off the stockings daily and check your legs for signs of irritation or damage.
If you’re having just mild symptoms of varicose veins, put off wearing the extra strength compression stockings and try regular compression level support pantyhose or knee-high socks and stockings first. Graduated compression hosiery can cost a lot so you can save yourself the unnecessary expense if you really don’t need to wear a pair.
Free Your Legs From Varicose Vein Pain With Help From Vein Center Doctor
Vein Center Doctor is a preferred vein specialist in New York and New Jersey that provides pain-free treatments with zero downtime, no surgeon involved. Their doctors are experts when it comes to addressing vein disease and venous disease problems such as chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcer.
Their clinics use nothing less than the latest in vein treatment and blood vessel treatment technology for their multiple minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures. Call Vein Center Doctor now and set your legs free from the aches and pains of varicose veins.
