The Benefits Of Compression Stockings For Varicose Veins

Do your legs sometimes feel heavy and achy? Are you facing the issue of swollen veins in legs, which also appear to be twisted and bluish-purple in color? If so, you may be experiencing varicose veins. While this is a common condition in adults, lack of awareness causes delays in diagnosis and treatment. 

Let’s learn all about varicose veins, their causes, symptoms, and various ways for managing varicose veins and preventing them from getting worse.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that occur because of improper blood circulation. These can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly appear on the legs. 

Veins are a part of your body’s circulatory system. They carry oxygen-depleted blood from all your body’s tissues back to the heart. Your veins have one-way valves that open and shut continually to assist the flow of blood back towards the heart.

If these valves get damaged or weakened, they cannot pump blood efficiently, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins. This is called chronic venous insufficiency and can lead to swollen veins on the skin’s surface called varicose veins.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Before we move on to compression socks and compression stockings and how they help manage varicose veins, we will discuss some factors that can increase the risk of developing this condition. These are:

1. Age – As we grow older, our vein walls begin to lose their elasticity, and their valves become weak. Our veins are not able to function as efficiently as before, causing blood to leak or flow back into your veins instead of rushing back up to your heart. This increases the risk of developing varicose veins. 
2. Family History – If you have family members who suffer from venous insufficiency, you are more likely to develop it as well.
3. Sitting Or Standing For Too Long – If your job or lifestyle requires you to sit or stand for long periods of time, you are at a higher risk of developing venous insufficiency. So, take frequent breaks and often move to prevent this condition from occurring.
4. Gender – Women are three times more likely to develop varicose veins than men. 
5. Smoking- Smoking and varicose veins are interlinked. Smoking can have adverse effects on the veins. The health of your veins is negatively impacted by smoking, as blood flow is decreased. The veins become less elastic and weaker as a result, reducing their ability to pump blood properly. 
6. Pregnancy- Swollen veins in legs are a common phenomenon during the later stages of pregnancy due to increased pressure in the lower body. The growing weight of the baby can slow down the blood circulation. 

What Are The Symptoms Of This Venous Condition?

Swollen veins in legs aren’t the only signs that indicate varicose veins. The other symptoms include:

• •     Bluish or reddish veins that you can see under the surface of your skin.
  •     Aching legs that feel heavy after standing or sitting for too long or at night after a long, tiring day.
  •     Skin discoloration in the area of varicose veins, commonly brown.
  •     Itchiness in the legs and ankles.

You may find your varicose veins symptoms worsen in warmer weather or if you have been standing for an extended time. However, your symptoms can improve with rest and leg elevation. Regular use of our Sigvaris Compression Stockings is also a great way to manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. So, let’s find out more about compression stockings and their benefits for those experiencing varicose veins.

What Are Compression Stockings?

While you may have heard of medical compression stockings or compression socks before, if you have never had to use them, there is a lot you may not know!

Graduated compression garments are generally the first line of defense treatment for managing swollen varicose veins. Swollen veins in legs can be treated with the correct type of compression stockings that will encourage blood flow by improving leg circulation. Compression stockings are an easy, non-invasive way to manage venous insufficiency and can help the person lead a better life. 

Compression stockings are specially made garments that provide graduated pressure to the legs, which means that they are tightest around the ankle. This pressure gradually reduces going up the leg. 

There are two types of compression stockings: support and medical. Support socks provide mild graduated compression. They can be worn by anyone who may be at risk of developing vein-related conditions as a preventive measure or just to maintain good leg health. 

Medical compression stockings give measured compression. They are available in different compression classes or grades and are commonly prescribed by doctors to manage venous conditions such as varicose veins. Compression stockings for swollen varicose veins have gained significant attention over the recent years. The compression socks with varying levels of compression are carefully crafted and designed to provide varicose pain relief by exerting pressure on the superficial veins. 

By exerting the right amount of pressure, it effectively collapses and prevents blood from pooling in the veins. This enhances the blood flow towards the swollen veins in legs and provides better circulation. 

Benefits Of Compression Stockings For Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can cause a wide range of symptoms, including swelling, cramps, itching, and burning. Compression stockings can not only relieve the discomfort associated with many of these symptoms; they can even prevent the progression of varicose veins so that they don’t get worse. The key benefits of our Sigvaris compression stockings or compression socks include:

• •  Provides support to the veins
  • Slows down the formation of new varicose veins
  • Provides relief from swollen varicose veins 
  • Aids blood flow back to the heart against the pull of gravity
  • Relieves pain and heaviness
  • Relieves swelling
  • Reduces the risk of formation of blood clots (thrombosis)
  • Prevents chronic venous ulcer insufficiencies
  • One of the significant benefits of wearing compression stocking is that it is responsible for improving leg circulation. 
  • It facilitates lymphatic drainage, which enhances varicose pain relief even further.
  • It prevents blood from pooling in the active varicose veins. Therefore, managing varicose veins with compression stockings becomes easy. 

So, what are you waiting for? Start using Stockings for Varicose Veins today to provide additional comfort to your legs and improve your daily life! In order to determine the best course of action and the sort of compression garment that would best fit your symptoms, it is essential to consult with your healthcare physician.

Swollen varicose veins, whether hereditary, pregnancy-related, or due to lifestyle changes, can be effectively managed by wearing compression stockings. By increasing blood flow and reducing leg swelling, graduated compression stockings improve circulation in the legs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to complement the use of compression stockings for varicose veins?

Yes, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to complement the use of compression stockings for varicose veins. These changes can help manage symptoms and improve overall vein health. Some of these lifestyle recommendations are:

1.     Engage in regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling to promote good blood circulation.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the pressure on your veins and can alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
3. Elevate your legs above heart level whenever possible to encourage blood flow back to the heart.
4. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Take breaks and move around if your job involves prolonged sitting or standing.
5. Avoid tight clothing, especially around the waist and legs, as it can restrict blood flow.
6. Limit the use of high-heeled shoes, as they can strain calf muscles and affect blood circulation.
7. If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking can negatively impact circulation.

How much do compression stockings for varicose veins cost, and are there affordable options available?

The cost of compression stockings for varicose veins varies according to various factors such as brand, quality certifications, level of compression and material. When considering the cost of compression stockings, it’s important to factor in the quality, fit, and effectiveness of the stockings. Poorly fitting or low-quality stockings may not provide the intended benefits.

Sigvaris offers compression stockings in a various material options to suit different patient needs. Sigvaris Dynaven range is RAL certified for quality and efficacy and is made in Switzerland, thus it is an affordable option without compromising on quality.

Can compression stockings be used in combination with other treatments for varicose veins?

If you are undergoing varicose veins treatment, there is a considerable chance that your physician will advise you to wear compression stockings post-treatment. So yes, you can combine the use of compression socks with your varicose veins treatment.

Are there any risks or side effects of wearing compression stockings for varicose veins?

Usually, there are no side effects to wearing compression socks for venous disorders, but it is always better to consult a doctor before wearing them if your condition is severe.

While these stockings are good for improving circulation in veins, you need to avoid wearing them if you have issues in your arteries or are suffering from a serious heart condition.

Can compression stockings be worn during and after menopause to treat or prevent varicose veins?

Yes, compression stockings can be worn during and after menopause to help manage and prevent varicose veins. Menopause is a time when hormonal changes can affect the elasticity of blood vessels, potentially contributing to the development or worsening of varicose veins. Compression stockings can be a beneficial part of a comprehensive approach to address venous issues during and after menopause.