If you are one of the millions of people who struggle with varicose veins, then you know how much of an issue they can be. Not only are they troublesome cosmetically, but, for some people, they can become incredibly painful. Fortunately, there are many forms of treatment for varicose veins. In many cases, conservative at-home varicose vein treatments may address the issue enough so that you do not have to get more intense medical treatments. One such way to treat varicose veins at home is to use compression stockings. We have created a guide to a beginner’s use of compression stockings to help you out.
Essentially, compression stockings help to reduce swelling and blood pooling in your legs. They add pressure, which helps the blood flow back up from your legs, despite gravity pulling it down. These stockings are recommended for more than varicose veins treatment. They can also help with deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency, edema, and more. Compression stockings are also beneficial for athletes, as they can help improve circulation.
The great thing about compression stockings is that they come in numerous sizes, lengths, and power of compression. This means that you can find the exact right pair to fit whatever you may need. The length is important for addressing the area where the varicose veins are troublesome. For example, wearing a knee-high stocking would not be useful if you are dealing with varicose veins in the thigh.
There are around three tiers of compression and the right one for you is based on the severity of your varicose veins and symptoms. Compression power is measured in mmHg, which stands for millimeters of Mercury, which is the same way that blood pressure is measured. You can try a couple of different compression powers to find the one that has the most benefit, but 20 to 30 mmHg is often the right place to start for varicose vein treatment. Some people will even go with 30 to 40 mmHg if they deal with severe varicose veins. If you are unsure what to do, it may be better to consult with your doctor, as they will be able to recommend the best power stocking.
When you first put on compression stockings, you may find it difficult to get them on. This is normal, as they are meant to be snug to provide the intended benefits. Of course, as you continue to wear them, you will get better at putting them on. It won’t be long before you are a pro at putting them on and will experience their many benefits.
There are typically no harmful side effects that can arise from the use of compression stockings, but there are some that can be uncomfortable. For instance, you initially may experience discomfort from the feeling of pressure or tingling or itching from the compression socks or stocking. Some users may get calluses from extended use of the compression stocking. In most cases, you will likely get used to the initial discomfort. Some people may also have allergic reactions to the stocking, and if this happens to you, you will need to find a material that works better for you. If you experience these symptoms for too long, they get worse, or there are serious concerns, be sure to contact your doctor.
If you are struggling with varicose veins and would like a consultation for treatment, give us a call today. Here at BASS Vein Center, we are experts in all types of vein conditions and we offer many types of treatment to address these issues. Don’t wait; give us a call today.
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