Compression garments have a variety of benefits and can be effective for managing the pain and discomfort associated with vein disease. Find out how compression stockings can help varicose veins as well as reduce the painful symptoms.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged and twisted veins with a blue or purple appearance. They develop when vein valves or vein walls become damaged. As a result, blood starts flowing in the wrong direction or starts pooling in the vein.
While any vein could become varicose, the veins which are most commonly impacted are those in your legs. This is due to the additional pressure that is put on your veins when walking or standing for long periods of time. Other areas of the body which are commonly affected include the arms, rectum or pelvic area.
How Do Compression Socks Work?
Medical grade compression can make a difference to your health and help provide some relief from varicose veins. Tha’s because compression stockings work by compressing the superficial and deep veins. By doing this, the compression stockings facilitate a ‘pump effect’ which minimises swelling and stimulates blood circulation. The stockings usually exert more pressure near your ankles and feet, providing that extra ‘squeeze’.
Some studies have suggested that medical-grade compression stockings can improve the symptoms of varicose veins. However, the stockings alone will not eliminate them.
Medical News Today outline some studies that show research on varicose veins and compression stockings.
- “A 2018 study, which found that wearing compression stockings with pressures of 18 to 21 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) for 1 week helped to reduce aches and pain associated with varicose veins, compared to normal stockings.
- A 2017 study, which determined that wearing stockings of 22 mm Hg for 6 months helped to control leg swelling during pregnancy in people with varicose veins. However, the authors noted that an oral medication called pycnogenol was more effective than using stockings.
A 2014 study, which concluded that surgery to remove varicose veins was a more effective treatment than compression stockings.”
What Type of Compression Do You Need?
Different types of stockings/socks will exert different amounts of pressure. Commonly, manufacturers measure compression in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). True gradient compression is designed to distribute controlled pressure from the further part of the body (ankle) and decrease toward the top end of the garment.
Who Could Benefit From Compression Socks:
People with varicose veins, lymphoedema, deep venous insufficiency, swelling of ankles and post varicose vein treatments. We also recommend compression for people in certain types of professions. These include:
- Retail workers and cashiers
- Office jobs
- Truck drivers
- Nurses
- Hospitality workers
- Flight Attendants
- Retail workers and cashiers
- Teachers
Tips for Buying Compression Socks for Varicose Veins
We recommend that you purchase medical-grade compression to treat varicose veins. The Vein Institute works closely with Bauerfeind to supply all of our patients with medical-grade compression. You can see their full range here:
Seek Expert Advice
The doctors at The Vein Institute specialise in varicose vein treatment. We offer patients a comprehensive treatment program to treat varicose veins, with non-surgical laser treatment techniques. The benefits of laser treatment to patients are;
- Walk-in walk-out treatment
- 98% success rate
- Extremely effective
- Can be performed at a clinic (no hospitalisation)
- No general anaesthetic
- Medicare rebates apply
- No downtime or time away from work
To book a consultation and discuss our treatment program, call 0420 102 637. Or, complete the form below to receive a call back from one of The Vein Institute team.
