If you have varicose veins or spider veins, a number of different types of vein treatment can help remove the problem veins and can help you feel more comfortable. Although a medical treatment such as sclerotherapy or laser treatment can effectively remove the veins, the timing might not be right for you for either option. Alternatively, your veins might be mild enough that you don’t want or need medical treatment. But you might still feel self-conscious about your veins.
That’s where compression stockings can come in. Available over-the-counter, where they are known as support hose, or with stronger compression abilities, with a doctor’s prescription, the stockings are designed to help improve circulation. Here’s a closer look at what they do and how to use them.
How Compression Stockings Work as a Vein Treatment
Veins in your legs have a tough job. They need to work against the force of gravity, to push blood back up to the heart. When the valves of the veins become weak, the blood can start to pool, leading to the familiar bulges of varicose veins. Compression stockings help your veins out by putting pressure on the legs, helping to push the blood up to the heart.
How to Choose and Wear Compression Stockings
If your doctor has written you a prescription for compression stockings, you’ll usually purchase them at a medical supply store. When you visit the store, you’ll be fitted for the stockings, so that you don’t end up with a pair that’s too tight or with a pair that’s too loose and unable to do its job. You might want to purchase two pairs of stockings, so that you always have a pair to wear when one is being washed.
It can be tricky to get compression stockings on. Usually, it’s a good idea to put them on first thing in the morning. Doing so allows you to get the stockings on before fluid or blood is able to collect in your legs. You’ll want to roll up the stockings before putting them on, then slowly unroll them over the length of your foot and leg.
Other Benefits of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings don’t only help slow down the advancement of varicose or spider veins. People with a number of other vein issues or leg problems can benefit from wearing the stockings. For example, they are often recommended for patients with edema, or swelling, in their legs. Athletes also occasionally wear compression stockings to help improve their performance on the field or court. The stockings also help athletes recover more quickly after playing an intense game. Compression stockings can also help patients with leg ulcers or with more general circulation problems.
To learn more about compression stockings and your other vein treatment options, contact Vein 911 today.
