Mayo Clinic defines varicose veins as “twisted, enlarged veins” frequently located in the legs. These veins do not pump blood to the heart as they are supposed to and may require treatment. Many different conservative methods can mitigate the effects of this condition. Some conservative treatment options include walking, wearing loose clothing, and making dietary changes. One other home remedy for helping with this condition is wearing compression stockings for varicose veins.
Suffering from varicose veins can be very difficult to cope with and cause some people to experience swelling or other complications. For this reason, it may be wise to consult your doctor about the option of wearing compression stockings for treating your varicose veins. These stockings improve the proper circulation of blood to the heart by applying pressure to the legs.
Choosing the correct compression stockings can be difficult if you do not know about the various types and uses. Part of varicose veins treatment is to wear footwear that will effectively mitigate the effects of the condition. A doctor typically prescribes a pair for you based on what your legs need. Some stockings available for patients include graduated compression stockings, knee-high compressions, and support pantyhose for varicose veins treatment.
According to one study, “Graduated compression stockings exert the greatest degree of compression at the ankle, and the level of compression gradually decreases up the garment.” If you have a chronic venous disease, these stockings may be an excellent fit for you to consider when seeking treatment. Luckily, many different brands of these stockings are available in online stores where you can explore your options.
Knee-high compressions are worn up to the knee and are very affordable for patients to buy. They are typically for patients with mild symptoms of varicose veins and can be found in the stores listed above. Another type of stockings for mild cases is knee socks, which are excellent options for patients who do not experience severe pain from varicose veins.
It is worth noting that support pantyhose provides the least amount of pressure compared to other types of footwear. Michigan Medicine of the University of Michigan says wearing support pantyhose “[helps] swelling and aching considerably.” Just like knee-highs, these are recommended for people who experience mild discomfort from varicose veins. Speak to your doctor to see if this pair is the right one for your health needs.
One thing to consider when wearing compression stockings is to hand wash them before usage. Doing this ensures that you or your loved one have a clean pair ready to be applied to the legs. You can clean them in a bucket with detergent and soap and then air-dry them.
With the help of a friend or done alone, placing the stockings on your foot is a tedious task, and to be undertaken with great care. If not, you could tear the sock, creating damage to the cloth. You first want to hold the toe of the stocking by sliding your hand into it. Once you grab the toe, you pull it out while holding it, and you can easily slip it on your leg. Michigan Medicine also says it’s advisable to “do it early in the morning when you have the least swelling in your legs.”
At BASS Vein Center, we prioritize our patients and can help you with any questions regarding insurance coverage for seeking treatment on varicose veins. You can call us at (925) 281-5912 or visit our online page to schedule a consultation!
Vein surgery can be life changing for many people and a huge boost of confidence, let's get you scheduled for a consultation.
