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!

About Vein Disease

Did you know one in three Americans over the age of 45 will have some type of vein disease? Your vascular system, consisting of your veins, play an important role in circulating blood throughout your body and back to your heart. As you age, problems in your veins can develop and create a variety of issues, from cosmetic to more serious complications.

It is important to be aware of the different types of vein disease, as well as recognizing early symptoms so that you may seek medical advice right away. This blog will look at answering some of the frequently asked questions about vein disease.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: Symptoms of vein disease include legs that feel tired, heavy, restless, painful, and sore. Some people may experience throbbing, leg cramps, swelling, and varicose veins.

Q: Aren’t varicose veins just a cosmetic problem?

A: Actually, no! Although the physical appearance aspect is one of the top concerns for most people when it comes to varicose veins, this disease comes with a host of other complications, including pain, swelling, phlebitis, and sometimes even hemorrhage. Also known as venous insufficiency, varicose veins are a widely recognized diseased and most insurances will cover the treatment.

Q: What will treat varicose veins?

A: At Pacific Vein Care, we have specialized training in venous disease treatments and use sclerotherapy techniques to treat venous insufficiency. A concern of many patients is that their varicose veins will return. This is not true if sclerotherapy is done correctly and with the most effective sclerosant. Pacific Vein Care uses a sclerosant called Polidocanol, which is highly effective and painless. We also use Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment, which uses a catheter with a heated tip to shrink varicose veins. Blood then naturally gets diverted to your healthy veins instead! Recurrence following this treatment is only two to three percent!

If symptoms are ignored and vein disease left untreated, it can lead to bigger complications, such as leg ulcers. At Pacific Vein Care, we can diagnose your vein disease using venous ultrasound, and from there formulate a treatment strategy customized to your particular venous issue. Contact Pacific Vein Care at 815-759-2368 to schedule your consultation today or visit our website, and you’ll be on the road to healthy legs for life!