Compression stockings are basically medical-grade socks that are worn for a specific health reason. While people of all ages and walks of life may be seen wearing compression stockings, most people wear them because their doctors recommended the stockings for vein compression. Read on to learn more about why the veins in the legs need to be compressed, why you may need to wear compression stockings and how they could help you when worn correctly.
What are Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings are special socks that are very tight. Most of them go up to the bottom of the knees, although some may go to the thighs and others may go all the way up to the waist just as tights do. While some of them are designed to be sleeves and only fit over the lower legs, most provide some support for the foot, as well as support for the ankle. High-quality compression stockings are graduated, meaning that they provide more pressure in some areas than in others. When more of the pressure is in the ankle and lower calf and less pressure is in the upper calf, the blood in the veins is helped back to the heart.
What Does Vein Compression Do?
This brings us to what compression stockings are designed to do. Although you may wear yours thinking that they are only decreasing swelling, what all of them are really doing is helping blood get back to your heart. When blood and venous fluids pool in your feet, ankles and lower legs, you may notice swelling, enlarged blood vessels in your legs and pain. Vein compression prevents this pooling, decreases pain and swelling and improves symptoms of venous disease, such as varicose veins and spider veins.
Who Should Wear Compression Stockings?
The biggest benefits to wearing compression stockings is for people who are currently suffering from venous issues in their legs, such as varicose veins or leg ulcers. Vein compression is also very beneficial after vein removal treatments. In general, compression stockings are always safe as long as they are worn properly.
For more information about vein compression or your treatment options, make an appointment at Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Myers!
