Compression Therapy to Relieve Vein Symptoms

Graduated, prescription-strength compression hose, also known as compression stockings or compression therapy, play an important role in the treatment of varicose veins and other symptoms of vein disease. Compression therapy is a helpful, often required part of conservative therapy that can provide easy treatment for vein issues without invasive surgeries or procedures.

At the Vein Centers of Florida & South Baldwin, Dr. James Jimenez will provide treatment options and procedures to alleviate your symptoms of varicose veins and vein disease. Dr. Jimenez also performs laser treatments, sclerotherapy procedures and ambulatory phlebectomy procedures for treating venous diseases, all of which can benefit greatly from the addition of compression therapy.

Specifically designed to relieve and reduce vein disease symptoms

Compression hose are made of much stronger elastic than typical hosiery, as they are designed to exert significant pressure on your legs. While they compress the limb, they do not correct the underlying disease process. However, they reduce venous pressure to relieve:

  • Aching legs
  • Leg fatigue
  • Poor blood circulation
  • Sensations of “heaviness”
  • Leg or ankle swelling

How Does Compression Therapy Work?

Varicose veins develop as a result of blood pooling in the veins in the legs. When veins weaken and their valves no longer operate correctly, blood can flow backward and get trapped. The muscles in our legs contract and relax to help the veins push the blood back up and towards the heart. Regularly standing or sitting for long periods of time can slow blood flow down and create varicose veins. Age, pregnancy and heredity also increase the risk of varicose veins.

Compression garments act as a second layer of muscle, applying a constant gentle, firm pressure to the legs throughout the day. The compression pushes the stretched vein walls together, reducing the diameter of the veins so that the valves can close properly. With the help of the compression, the valves are able to do their job, preventing blood from flowing backward and pooling in the veins. Compression garments can also be used to treat other issues, like lymphedema, by promoting proper circulation.

Compression garments are tightest at the foot and ankle and gradually loosen towards the top of the leg. For best results, it is recommended to put compression garments on at the start of the day while vein swelling is at its lowest point, although some patients may have to wear them 24 hours a day.

How Do I Know How Much Compression I Need?

Compression garments come in a variety of lengths and pressure levels designed to address a different range of medical issues. Dr. Jimenez will prescribe the exact amount of compression needed for you to address your individual condition. Each varying level of compression can be used to treat a host of issues, and include:

Mild (8–15 mmHg): Provides a small amount of compression for light swelling of feet, ankles and legs. Can prevent minor aching and fatigue when standing for long periods of time.

Moderate (15–20 mmHg): Addresses mild to moderate varicose veins. Can be used post-sclerotherapy to provide relief and help blood flow. Helps in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Firm (20–30 mmHg): Helps treat moderate to severe edema and lymphedema. Also treats moderate to severe varicose veins. Can prevent the sudden fall in blood pressure when standing, known as orthostatic hypotension.

Extra Firm (30–40 mmHg): Addresses and helps prevent severe levels of vein issues like lymphedema, varicose veins and DVT.

RX (40–50 mmHg): Provides very tight compression. Only intended for the treatment of the most severe vein issues.

Benefits of Compression Therapy

Compression therapy is an easy and reliable method to treat chronic pain and fatigue caused by venous diseases. It cannot eliminate varicose veins like certain procedures can, but it can alleviate symptoms and increase blood circulation, lessen swelling and discomfort, and help manage venous diseases. In fact, many insurance companies now require a trial period of compression stocking wear before they will cover the cost of medically-necessary varicose vein treatments.

Take the next step in combating venous disease through compression therapy. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jimenez and the experts at the Vein Centers of Florida and South Baldwin to address your concerns and get on your way to better health. Call 1-800-910-VEIN to request your FREE vein screening today so that you no longer have to hide your embarrassing varicose veins.