Vein-related diseases are growing increasingly common, and they are currently among the most chronic illnesses in the United States. According to stats, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects between 10% and 35% of individuals in the United States, a disease that can progress to more significant complications such as varicose veins. If you have this chronic condition, you may have noticed typical symptoms like heavy legs and swollen ankles at the end of the day. You may also feel discomfort in your legs or have nighttime cramps.
Compression stockings for varicose veins are commonly recommended for managing varicose veins. These stockings provide graduated pressure to the legs, which helps improve blood flow back to the heart and reduces swelling. This can further help in reducing symptoms such as pain, aching, and heaviness that are often associated with varicose veins. While they do not completely eliminate the condition, varicose veins compression stockings play a vital role in preventing potential complications, such as blood clots.
In this blog, we will provide a detailed breakdown of whether compression stockings really work for varicose veins, and how to choose the right pair based on your needs and condition.
Do Compression Stockings Help to Treat Varicose Veins?
A varicose vein is a highly visible vein located just below the surface of the skin. Varicose veins occur when blood collects behind the small valves in a person’s veins instead of flowing back properly to the heart. They are more common in the legs and feet because blood returning to the heart has to travel farther.
Compression stockings for varicose veins are known to:
- Reducing their appearance.
- Relieving painful symptoms in some people.
Healthcare professionals frequently recommend thigh-high compression stockings for varicose veins to improve circulation, prevent varicose veins from worsening and to reduce pain and discomfort.
It is additionally important to note that these stockings are not a cure of varicose veins, It is a primary treatment and preventive measure to avoid further complications of varicose veins.
What are the Benefits of Compression Stocking for Varicose Veins?
Below are some primary benefits of using compression stockings for varicose veins
- By providing progressive pressure, compression stockings help blood flow back towards the heart and avoid pooling in the legs, improving blood circulation.
- These stockings lessen the sensation of fatigue and heaviness in the legs as well as the pain associated with varicose veins.
- Ankle and leg swelling is a common symptom of varicose veins; these compression stockings improve blood flow, which helps to lessen swelling.
- If a person already has varicose veins, compression stockings can help stop the problem from becoming worse.
What are the Different Types of Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings are available in a variety of lengths, pressures, and cover different body areas. You can pick knee-length, thigh-high, or even waist-length stockings, depending on your needs and condition. Two popular varieties of compression stockings are as follows:
- Graduated Thigh High Compression Stockings: The most popular kind of stockings are graduated compression stockings, which are available in a variety of pressure and tightness. They usually get looser as they move up your leg and tighter around your ankles.
- Anti-embolism Thigh High Compression Stockings: These compression stockings are intended to help maintain blood circulation and reduce the risk of severe swelling. They are commonly used after a surgery or when you need to be in bed for an extended period of time. These stockings are recommended for medical purposes, and your doctor may prescribe the one that is best for you.
