Compression Therapy and How it Works

“Compression Therapy” refers to wearing sock or stockings specifically created to improve circulation in the legs. Anyone with swelling, fatigue or discomfort in their legs can benefit from compression therapy, but it is primarily recommended for wound care or for patients with chronic venous disease.

Venous disease occurs when blood flows abnormally through the veins of the legs and feet. One of the more common signs of venous disease is dilated or “spider” veins, which are not only unsightly but can be painful. These small blood vessels are typically on the legs and face, and are easily visible. Another sign of venous disease is varicose veins. These swollen and twisted blood vessels generally occur in the legs and can be extremely painful. Aside from the discomfort, venous disease puts the patient at risk for multiple serious health issues, including blood clots and ulcers. Compression therapy with socks or stockings is often the first line of defense in strengthening vein support and alleviating the painful symptoms of varicose or spider veins. Compression increases the pressure below the skin, reducing swelling and eliminating excess fluid.

Venous insufficiency is often brought on by blood clots or varicose veins.  Symptoms of Venous insufficiency include swelling of the legs or ankles, throbbing or a feeling of heaviness in the legs, leg ulcers, and itchy legs. Compression garments such as socks or stockings are typically prescribed to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Other recommendations include keeping legs uncrossed while sitting, elevating legs when possible, and starting a regular exercise regimen.

Compression therapy is shown to be beneficial to venous ulcer patients as a means of limiting swelling and helping the wounds to heal much more quickly. According to the American Venous Forum, in patients with severe wounds or ulcers, compression is the therapy of choice to encourage rapid healing and to prevent recurrence. When applied correctly, this therapy allows the patient to go about their daily activities with little or no disruption.

Compression garments are typically graduated, meaning that the compression is strongest at the ankle and decreases as it moves up the leg. Compression garments are generally worn during the day, from first thing in the morning until the patient goes to bed at night. The goal of compression therapy is not only to decrease symptoms but to allow you to carry on with your normal activities, including standing and walking as necessary. Compression therapy garments are generally covered by insurance.

If your doctor has recommended compression therapy, the staff at Pacific Vein Care is ready to help you select the right compression garment to get you back on the road to recovery.

Compression Therapy for Varicose Veins

Vein disease plagues about one in three Americans over the age of 45. Varicose veins are an unfortunate family trait, often appearing in the form of oversized, bulging, bluish cords easily visible under the skin. Sometimes they do not bulge, but rather are small, purplish, flooded capillaries called spider veins. Varicose and spider veins can be painful and unsightly, but thankfully there are several avenues of treatment you can take to healthy legs for life. At Pacific Vein Care, we specialize in several different therapies to treat varicose veins. The focus of this blog will be on compression therapy.

Compression therapy is the use of compression stockings over a period of time. These stockings squeeze the leg and allow the valves to be closer together and function properly. This helps the blood flow easier and your legs respond accordingly with less swelling, fatigue, discomfort, pain, heaviness, throbbing, and cramping. Most insurance companies require this as part of their conservative therapy criteria prior to approval for procedures.

One thing to keep in mind about compression therapy is that while it helps relieve symptoms, it is not a true cure for varicose veins. Support stockings are a temporary measure that will not fix a chronic, physical problem like the new, effective, minimally invasive technologies and treatments will. Compression stockings are not a definitive treatment, but they are a good place to start when it comes to vein disease.

Compression stockings can be purchased at Pacific Vein Care, where we will measure and use our suppliers sizing chart to get the right fit for you. Since each patient’s diagnosis and symptoms are different, a consultation with Pacific Vein Care will help us get you into the correct compression gradient and stocking length for your particular situation. We will also take the time to explain how to properly use your stockings for compression therapy, and if the compression therapy isn’t doing the trick for your varicose veins, we’ll talk about the next step for you in treatment. To schedule your consultation with Pacific VeinCare and be on your way to healthy legs for life, give us a call today at 815-759-2368!

Men and Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are typically known as a medical issue that plagues middle-aged to mature women. Experts agree that while more women are diagnosed with varicose veins, it’s likely just as common for men to have them, but that men are a lot less likely to be seek medical attention for it.

About 1 in 4 men will suffer from varicose veins at some point in their lives. Varicose veins are mostly hereditary, triggered by blood pooling in the veins of your legs - so those with occupations in which a lot of time is spent on their feet have a higher chance of developing this vein disease. Spending too much time sitting at a desk will raise your chances as well. The best ways to avoid varicose veins are exercising, reducing standing or sitting pressure, compression hose, and avoiding foods high in sodium since salt leads to retention.

If, however, your precautions don’t keep the spider veins at bay, or your hereditary predisposition is just too strong, don’t panic! Pacific Vein Care has revolutionary treatment options for your varicose veins:

●       Ambulatory Plebectomy - a minor surgical procedure which allows for the removal of large surface varicose veins through very small incisions that need no stitches. The procedure is normally done in our office using a superficial local anesthetic.

●       Compression Therapy - a common form of treatment which utilizes compression stockings over a period of time. These stockings squeeze the leg and allow the valves to be closer together and function properly. This helps the blood flow more normal and your legs respond accordingly.

●       Endovenus Ablation - a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency or laser energy to cauterize and close varicose veins. Our patients are fully awake for this procedure and it is performed in our office.

●       Sclerotherapy - a technique which was developed in the 1950s and 60s to treat veins. It involves the use of an extremely fine needle to inject a tiny amount of a dilute solution (sclerosant) directly into the larger veins. The solution causes the lining of the vein to swell, eventually sealing off the blood vessels and preventing blood flow. At Pacific Vein Care, we use polidocanol as our sclerosant of choice because it is painless and effective.

So remember: varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue. If left untreated they can lead to larger complications, like bleeding and skin damage. If you are a man with varicose veins, don’t hesitate. Contact Pacific Vein Care and be on your way to healthy legs for life!