subject: Varicose Vein Stockings And Other Treatment Options [print this page] It was recently estimated that over 25 million Americans suffer from varicose veins. This term references when veins have become enlarged and can no longer prevent blood inside them from flowing backwards. The list of symptoms is long, including aching "heavy" legs, ankle swelling, skin discoloration, skin-shrinking, restless legs syndrome, and a plethora of other signs and indications.
And while mild varicose veins rarely require treatment, its rare you find an individual who wouldnt prefer those aesthetically displeasing veins disappear, not just because of the constant ache and itch, but because theyre just not pleasant to look at.
A simple, easy-to-use option is inserting varicose veins stockings into your wardrobe. Also known as compression socks or compression stockings, varicose veins stockings are specifically designed to boost blood circulation and improve it by consistently forcing pressure onto the leg muscles, compressing (hence the name) the veins and helping blood flow back into the heart.
To use varicose veins stockings, an individual is instructed to put them on immediately after waking up, before blood can pool to the area of the varicose vein. The stockings are intended to be worn all day, except when the wearer is lying down (when the wearer does lie down, they are advised to raise their legs above the level of their heart). The use of compression socks is intended to prevent tiredness and body aches, while preventing swelling
However, while the use of varicose veins stockings will help to control the symptoms of varicose veins while simultaneously protecting the wearer from having more varicose veins, compression socks have not been known to cure current cases.
Compression Socks can be found at most drug stores, and are also available at several online retailers at discount prices. Other varicose vein treatment styles arent quite so easily accessible.
For example theres also a type of injection therapy used to treat varicose veins. "Sclerotherapy" is used to block damaged veins in a way that makes surgical removal unnecessary.
However, sclerotherapy injection therapy can only be performed in a doctors office with professional medical supervision. Additionally, it cannot be used against larger varicose veins, as well as veins that extend up to and beyond the groin area. A sclerotherapy injection is not recommended for someone who is overweight, either.
Not to mention, after the procedure your doctor will apply a compression bandage to the spot of the vein, which will need to be worn for a few weeks. So, sclerotherapy injection treatment requires a sort of compression hose as well.
And while sclerotherapy typically has pristine results, there are a series of potential complications following the procedure, including scarring, increased risk of hemorrhaging, and a series of smaller varicose veins appearing at the site of the original problem.
