Compression Stockings for Varicose Veins (2024)

FAQs

Compression Stockings for Varicose Veins? ›

While compression stockings can provide effective symptom relief for some, many patients find them uncomfortable and have a hard time staying compliant with their treatment plan. Even when patients strictly adhere to their compression therapy, stockings are unlikely to be a curative treatment for vein disease.

Compression stockings can improve blood flow and help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. Specially fitted, or graduated, compression stockings are tightest at the foot. They gradually loosen as they fit higher on the leg.

You can try a couple of different compression powers to find the one that has the most benefit, but 20 to 30 mmHg is often the right place to start for varicose vein treatment. Some people will even go with 30 to 40 mmHg if they deal with severe varicose veins.

Mild to Moderate Compression (20 - 30 mmHg) - Use For spider veins, varicose veins, swollen ankles. To minimize the risk of spider veins, varicose veins and swollen ankles moderate compression promotes blood circulation so that your legs still feel light even at the end of a long day.

Wearing compression stockings

You may need to wear them on both legs, or just on 1. You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning.

The discomfort relief from your condition is immediate. However, it may take several days of regular use to enjoy a noticeable reduction in swelling. For best results, put on your compression garment first thing in the morning. This is when your limbs are the least swollen.

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? Compression stockings are generally safe but can cause you pain or even cut off your circulation if you don't wear the proper size. The pressure also can cause minor bruising or skin ulcers, and tightly fitting socks also can cause dry skin, redness, and itching.

The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.

The pressure exerted by compression stockings is designed to improve blood flow and prevent new clots. It is generally not forceful enough to dislodge an existing, adhered blood clot. The primary function of these stockings is preventative, rather than being a treatment for existing clots.

For optimal health benefits, it's good to aim for at least 30 minutes per day and you can break up your thirty minutes into, say, three 10-minute sessions spaced throughout the day. If you're a numbers person you can wear a pedometer that will count your steps.

Who should not wear compression socks? ›

People who suffer from arthritis, concomitant dermatoses or advanced peripheral neuropathy will also be discouraged from using compression stockings. Finally, if you have an intolerance to particular compression stocking materials, like Nylon for example, you need to be aware of this and avoid those types of garments.

Patients preferred knee length stockings over thigh length stockings. Thigh length stockings may be more effective than knee length stockings at preventing DVT in surgical patients. However, patients are more likely to wear knee length stockings correctly. Incorrectly worn stockings can be unsafe.

Wearing Compression Stockings

The stockings should feel tight around your legs. You will feel the most pressure around your ankles and less pressure higher up your legs.

Compression Socks and All-Day Sitting

If you're sitting at home or at a desk all day, compression socks can help prevent problems. You don't have to wear them all the time. But even keeping them on for a few hours while you sit could help.

Wash the stockings each day after wearing them, if possible. Wash stockings in cold water by hand. You can also wash them with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent in a washing machine. Hang the stockings up to dry, and do not dry them in a machine.

Compression socks can help support healthy circulation in many people. But when used incorrectly, they can cause side effects, including cutting off circulation and skin irritation. Compression socks are a popular treatment for tired legs and swelling in your calves.

#1 Wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are a must-have if you want to prevent varicose veins from worsening or even developing in the first place.

Staying hydrated can help with symptoms of varicose veins. Water helps fiber do its job by flushing out the system and reducing any cramping or bloating reducing the chances of any undue pressure within your system. Sodium rich foods can cause the body to retain fluid which could increase damage to the veins.