How can I prevent varicose veins?

Compression stockings are used to treat a variety of chronic leg disorders, besides blood clots. Since there is no good treatment for varicose veins, the best way to prevent varicose veins is to wear compression stockings. 


The stockings also prevent formation of blood clots and keep the leg from swelling after being up on your feet all day. For the best results, the stockings should be work daily for an indefinite period. Compression stockings do require a trial period of getting used to. Initially one should try to wear the stockings for a few hours per week and then gradually increase the number of hours. Most individuals wear stockings during the day and take them off at night. 


Unlike the past, the compression stocking available today come in many colors, fabrics and are very attractive. Both men and women can wear these stocking. 

How often should I wear compression stockings?

The Compression stockings have to be worn daily for the most benefit. While the stockings do not eliminate varicose veins, they do help reduce the leg swelling, aching and fatigue that individuals develop after a long day’s standing. These stockings are also highly recommended to be worn when one flies on an airplane or plans to have any type of surgery. Over the years, it has become evident that when these stockings are worn in hospital, the incidence of blood clot formation is much less.

These stockings are ideal for patients who are bed ridden or non ambulatory for some time. All hospitals have protocols that require patients to be fitted with compression stockings if the duration of hospital stay is longer than 2 days.

How do compression stockings work?

The Compression stockings are made from durable elastic fabrics that fit snugly on the legs and feet. The stockings definitely feel a little tight around the foot and less so at the knee. The graded pressure allows for the blood to move upwards back to the heart.

The squeezing action of the stockings results in less swelling of the leg and prevents formation of blood clots. At the end of the day, most people who wear these stocking claim that they feel relaxed and do not have aching legs. Compressions stockings are a great addition to medical therapy for the treatment of many conditions including:

. Varicose veins
. Post phlebitic edema
. Lymphedema
. Prevention of blood clots
. Spider veins
. Pre and post surgery
. Treatment of venous ulcer

. Pregnancy

Compression Stockings 101

Over the year, various styles and designs of compression stockings have been developed. These specialized compression stockings can be worn just below or above the knee. First designed for use in hospitals, these stocking are now widely available for everyday use outside the hospital. Unlike the olden days when the stockings resembled thick and unattractive socks, the latest stockings are extremely attractive and aesthetic looking.

The major function of these stockings is to promote increased circulation of blood in the lower legs and prevent blood clot formation. The stockings are designed in such a way that they have a gradient of pressure which is greater in the foot and less as one goes above the leg.