COMPRESSION THERAPY

Compression stockings for varicose veins and spider veins (and other conservative therapies… read to the end!)



The recommended form of compression therapy is the use of graduated medical compression stockings. VIP Medical Group doctors recommend 20-30mm Hg compression stockings for the best relief of venous disease. Compression stockings can be effective in relieving symptoms of moderate to severe varicose veins, edema, swelling and stopping its progression, as well as decreasing the likelihood of a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or blood clot.

These conservative methods for vein disease do not require surgical medical interventions. While these measures are helpful in preventing the development of new varicose veins and slowing the progression of underlying venous insufficiency, they are not able to reverse existing venous disease, and cannot improve the cosmetic appearance.

As for existing varicose veins or spider veins, they will not disappear by simple conservative strategies.

If your goal is to find greater relief and improve the appearance of your legs, it will be necessary to utilize other forms of treatment. Our trained staff will be happy to guide you through the available options, so that we can find the set of medical treatments that are right for your situation. With the proper therapy, you will be able to return to the activities you enjoyed quickly, without frustrating symptoms.

SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPRESSION THERAPY

What is compression therapy?

Compression therapy is a technique used to increase the blood flow activity in the lower limbs through strengthening vein support. It’s a form of wound care to apply pressure to the ankles and legs by wearing specifically designed stockings. The stockings stretch out vein walls to improve overall circulation, which then reduces swelling.

Who are the best candidates?

Patients with venous disease and leg swelling.

Describe the procedure?

Patients are given stockings to wear on their legs that they pull all the way up to their thighs and go about their normal day.

Does it hurt?

Compression therapy does not hurt. Compression stockings are sometimes uncomfortable because they are meant to be very tight, but they do not typically make the patient feel pain.

What are the expected results?

The expected results for a patient using compression stockings are lighter feeling legs. Sometimes patients experience less varicose veins and better coloration on their skin from the compression stockings. Patients often feel less cramping and experience less swelling.

Does insurance cover the treatment?

Patients who undergo venous ablations are given compression stockings covered by their insurance.

What is recovery like?

There is no recovery for compression therapy. Compression therapy helps the patients recover from venous ablations.

Any Side effects?

Patients sometimes can experience some discomfort from the tightness of the stocking that they are not used too.

Why VIP Centers?

At VIP Centers, our facility offers the latest technologies and treatment methods to provide numerous options for our patients. Our highly trained physicians specialize in veins, pain and regenerative medicine, guaranteeing to give you the latest treatments in stem cells, ultrasound mapping, radiofrequency ablations, and much more!

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS FOR VEIN DISEASE, VARICOSE VEINS, AND SPIDER VEINS?

For patients with milder symptoms from varicose veins who have not attempted medical treatment before, conservative therapy may be an excellent option. In this treatment method, patients are able to do much of the work to prevent progression of their venous disease, and may even be able to mitigate some of the symptoms.

By working with our dedicated venous disease treatment team, patients can take the following treatment actions:

Increasing exercise, particularly walking and running

Do physical activities that involve strengthening the large muscles in your legs. This makes the muscles compress your leg veins which helps maintain blood flow and circulation. A thirty minute exercise to strengthen the lower extremities can not only help with vein problems, but also overall health.

Varying activity patterns to avoid long periods of sitting or standing

Being on your feet for a long period of time adds pressure and load to the circulatory system. Take a break, have a seat, and stretch. On the other hand, long travel– be it by air or road, often demands sitting for long hours. This makes blood more likely to swell and irritate veins in your legs.

Elevating the legs when resting or working

When we’re standing, the veins in our legs are under pressure since they have to work against gravity– this is also true when laying down with our legs out in front of us. Adding a slight elevation of six to twelve inches above your heart is a great way to ease swelling, pressure, and heaviness. Give your veins a break and elevate them with a pillow once a day to feel the difference.

Losing weight

Being overweight puts tremendous amounts of pressure and workload for not only the veins, but many vital organs. In such cases, the veins are under enough pressure that their ability to move blood becomes restricted. Create a diet plan and speak with a specialist to achieve a target weight for a healthier life.