Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening todayThe Benefits of Compression Stockings on Your Vein Health
While professional medical treatments and surgeries are oftentimes recommended for the treatment of varicose veins and other venous disorders, there are a few actions that can be taken by the patient within their own home and integrated into their daily activities that can help to alleviate symptoms and greatly improve the comfort of the patient. Vascular specialists will often recommend the use of compression stockings, a special kind of hosiery designed specifically to prevent the occurrence of or the further progression of various venous disorders, such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis.
Unlike traditional athletic or formal stockings, compression stockings use stronger elastics to create pressure at certain points throughout the legs, namely in the knees, ankles, and feet. While the elastics are the tightest around the ankles, they gradually become less restrictive until reaching the thighs, and serve to place pressure on the legs and increase both the blood flow velocity and the effectiveness of the weakened valves. Compression stockings work initially by compressing the veins, muscles, and arteries on the surface, forcing the blood that is being circulated to fit through narrower channels than it is used to, resulting in an increase in arterial pressure and more blood being returned to the heart and less blood flowing backwards and pooling towards the feet.
Compression stockings are typically recommended for the following conditions and symptoms:
- Tired, achy legs
- Edema, or swelling
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins
- Spider veins
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Phlebitis
- Economy Class Syndrome (ECS)
- Lipodermatosclerosis
- Pregnancy
While compression stockings are available in a variety of styles that can be worn under clothing or on their own, there are two main types: gradient stockings and anti-embolism stockings. While gradient stockings are designed to remedy impaired valve performance and faulty leg vein valves, they are typically recommended for ambulatory patients that are prone to blood clots, edema, and blood pooling in the lower extremities. Anti-embolism stockings on the other hand, sometimes referred to as thromboembolism-deterrent hose, are designed to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg. Both types of stockings allow distributed amounts of compression to be applied throughout the legs, and, because most compression stockings are now made to be indistinguishable from traditional dress stockings, no one ever has to know you are wearing them at all.
While compression stockings can do wonders for a patient’s vein health, it’s important to note that they can also bring a sense of comfort and relief to some of the more painful physical symptoms of venous disorders as well. Compression stockings are currently available over-the-counter at many grocery and drugstores, so speak with Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center today to discuss whether compression stockings are right for you.