Even though varicosities can occur almost anywhere in the body, most develop in the legs. Once they form, they persist until they are treated. Varicose veins can be resolved with endovenous laser therapy (ELT), sclerotherapy, or a technique called VNUS, which uses radiofrequency (i.e. sound wave) occlusion. Prior to these and other forms of treatment, most doctors recommend compression stockings. They are worn around the legs, and often reduce the severity of the patient’s symptoms.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of compression stockings, including a brief description regarding how they work. We’ll explain why and when they are recommended, and describe how they are worn. You’ll also learn what to expect when you purchase the stockings in the event your doctor believes you are a good candidate for them.

How They Encourage Blood Flow

Normally, the muscles in your legs compress the veins, and force blood to return to your heart. Valves are located in the veins to prevent blood from flowing backward. When you walk, the muscles squeeze the veins, sending blood through the open valves. When you sit or lie down, the muscles relax, and the valves close. This is known as the venous pump.

If you sit and stand for extended periods, blood pressure may increase within your leg veins. This can cause them to stretch, which damages the valves. As a result, the valves lose their ability to prevent blood from flowing backward as effectively as before. Blood begins to pool, which allows varicose veins to form.

Compression stockings can be worn to place pressure upon the veins, and pump blood out of your legs and back to your heart. The stockings (also called hose) are made of elastic material. They’re usually worn around the calves, starting from the ankle and extending to the knee (some extend over the thighs). The hose are tighter at the end worn around the ankles, and become gradually looser toward the opposite end.

The elastic material essentially squeezes the leg muscles to support the venous pump. The compression is constant, and not dependent on whether you stand and walk. As the stockings pump blood back to your heart, the level of swelling in your legs will decline. This has the added benefit of preventing blood clots from forming, which is common when blood pools.

When Are They Recommended?

In addition to varicose veins, compression hose are recommended for any condition in which the venous pump is impaired. For example, post phlebitic syndrome (a common consequence of deep vein thrombosis) causes the valves inside the veins to become damaged. Wearing stockings can prevent blood from pooling, and additional clots from developing. They are also recommended for treating chronic venous insufficiency and fluid retention (edema) in the legs.

How Compression Stockings Are Worn

Most doctors will suggest that you wear the hose each day beginning when you get up in the morning until you go to sleep in the evening. Swelling is usually least pronounced in the morning since blood has not yet had a chance to pool (pooling worsens throughout the day).

At first, the stockings may seem difficult to pull on due to the tightness of the elastic material. With time and practice, however, doing so will become less problematic.

How To Buy Compression Stockings

The hose are available in different compression classes. Those that offer the least amount of compression can be purchased over-the-counter at most pharmacies, though they rarely offer sufficient pressure to support the venous pump. Tighter stockings require a prescription from your doctor. They, too, can be purchased at pharmacies. The cost for a single pair ranges between $30 and $150, depending on brand and quality. You can expect a pair to last for nearly a year.

If your varicose veins are not severe, compression stockings should be considered prior to other forms of treatment. In many cases, symptoms will all but disappear after wearing them for a prolonged period. Otherwise, your doctor can recommend an alternative approach.

Author Bio: Find the right doctor for Varicose Veins Visit the vascular surgeons. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: varicose veins, treating varicose veins, varicose vein, compression stockings