Compression Socks for Varicose Veins: Can They Help Reduce Symptoms?
Compression socks are specialized hosiery designed to apply pressure to the legs, ankles, and feet, helping to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. They have been found to be beneficial for people with varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and other circulatory problems.
Varicose veins are unsightly. They occur when blood collects behind small valves in your veins, keeping them from flowing back smoothly toward your heart. You'll see this more often in legs and feet since the blood has a further route to travel back up.
Doctors and specialists will often recommend using compression socks for varicose veins. But do they truly help reduce the symptoms? Adults, mostly women, experience varicose veins as they get older.
Let's explore the benefits of compression socks and how they can relieve varicose veins.
Compression Socks - Their Purpose
The primary function of compression socks is to help improve circulation within your legs and feet. During times of war, soldiers would wrap their legs with fabric from their ankles to the knees to help provide support during long hours of marching.
The pressure from wearing compression socks is designed to provide consistent pushing on the legs and feet, which forces your blood flow to move back toward the heart. Wearing them supplies a "squeeze" feel to promote blood movement. Additionally, the benefits of compression socks are specialized hosiery designed to apply gentle pressure to the legs, offering a range of comfort such as improved blood circulation, reduced swelling, and minimized discomfort during extended periods of sitting or standing.
How Compression Socks Help Varicose Veins
Since the socks reduce the amount of blood, slowing its flow in your legs and feet, they can help reduce the look of varicose veins. Some research regarding the veins discovered that wearing compression socks pressures with 18 to 21 millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg, for an entire week reduced aches and pains associated with the veins compared to other stockings or socks.
Depending on the stocking, there are different pressure types. You don't want to be uncomfortable while wearing them, and people may also oppose wearing them because they aren't fashionable enough.
There are plenty of modern and stylish supportive compression socks for women. And the pressure is necessary to help control other symptoms that may stem from varicose veins, including the following:
- Swelling of legs and feet
- Frequent aches and pains from sitting or standing for long periods
- Cold hands and feet (due to poor circulation)
- Relief of varicose vein symptoms, reducing recurrence
Doctors might recommend them for varicose veins, and more often, compression socks are necessary to help prevent blot clots, such as after surgery.
What Type of Compression Socks Are Best?
Depending on the varicose veins you are dealing with, there are different types of compression socks and varying kinds of pressure. Some of the most common kinds of compression socks are:
- Compression socks or stockings - these have a variety of pressures available, so it can be helpful to discuss them with your doctor for recommendations, and these provide the most support you can get over the counter.
- Prescription compression socks or stockings - the most tremendous amount of pressure will come from the ones you need from a specialist. These are effective but not so tight they would cut off circulation.
- Support knee/thigh length socks or pantyhose - these stockings or socks have the most minor amount of pressure but can offer some relief for those dealing with varicose veins and aches or slight swelling.
Almost all compression socks will go to the knee or higher. People usually wear them during the day, as blood flow is more effortless when lying down at night. Sitting and standing for a long time are the biggest culprits of circulation issues.
Other Conditions Requiring Compression Socks
Besides helping to reduce the symptoms of varicose veins, compression socks are valuable for treating several health issues that go beyond normal aches and pains. Some of those common conditions include:
- Edema
- Shin splints
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Restless leg syndrome
- Lymphedema
Compression therapy or graduated compression provides tightness around the ankle with less pressure up the calf. Firm and extra-firm pressures are necessary for severe problems such as DVT or leg ulcers.
Varicose Veins and Compression Socks
While some evidence suggests that compression socks can help with the look and signs of varicose veins, they can't get rid of them completely. However, plenty of compression sock styles and sizes help cover up the look of those unsightly veins and help keep the blood flow more consistent.
Other things you can do to help treat your varicose veins at home include:
- Managing your weight
- Incorporating more exercise
- Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing
- Matching the salt intake in your diet
- Wearing proper and comfortable footwear.
Compression socks are a simple and effective way for older adults to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate joint pain. They are easy to wear and come in various styles and compression levels, making finding a pair that easily meets any individual's needs. Regularly used compression socks can help older adults maintain their mobility and independence and enjoy a better quality of life.
Speak with your doctor about choosing some compression socks and what other steps you can take to relieve symptoms of your varicose veins to maintain your health and well-being.
About the Author
Olivia Wolfe has a passion for health and nutrition. She has a degree in Nutrition and is dedicated to sharing her experiences and educating others and help them achieve their health and wellness goals.
Olivia Wolfe
Contributor since April 7th, 2023
Editor's Note
Aging is a natural process that can lead to various health issues, including poor circulation, muscle weakness, and joint pain. Compression socks can be a helpful tool for older adults to mitigate some of these issues. As people age, their legs' veins can weaken, leading to blood pooling in the lower legs and feet.
Compression socks work by applying gentle pressure to the legs, which helps to improve blood flow and prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities. This can reduce swelling, fatigue, and discomfort in the legs and feet, making it easier for older adults to remain active and mobile.
Compression socks can also help older adults with joint pain or arthritis. When wearing compression socks, the pressure on the legs can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints, providing some relief from pain and stiffness. Additionally, compression socks can help to improve proprioception, which is the ability to sense the position and movement of the body. This can help older adults with balance issues to feel more stable on their feet and reduce their risk of falls.
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