Varicose veins are problematic for many individuals in Fishers, Indiana and throughout the United States. They appear bulging from the skin, and can be quite unsightly. Many varicose veins appear bluish or purplish in color. What's more, varicose veins may lead some to feel pain and heaviness in the legs, which leads many to seek relief. There are plenty of treatments and procedures available to make sure that patients have ample selection, but many specialists first recommend trying compression stockings as a trial treatment. In fact, many insurance companies require that patients first try compression stockings or other more conservative treatment options before they will cover the cost of a procedure.
Note, however, that compression stockings and such conservative treatments as exercise and weight loss will not get rid of varicose veins. These treatment methods merely treat the symptoms of varicose veins, and can provide some relief. To get rid of varicose veins, a procedure is required to remove or destroy them. There are several methods for doing so from procedures that remove the veins through tiny incisions, to laser treatment methods, to injectable treatments to destroy the veins. Before receiving any of these treatments, patients should discuss their options with a Fishers vein specialist, who may also recommend a trial run of compression stockings.
Compression stockings work by 'milking' blood back up the leg and to the heart. Varicose veins occur when blood pools in the veins often due to inefficient valves in the veins. Compression stockings work to reduce the pooling and improve blood flow. They are tightest around the ankle and get looser as they go up the leg, although they are fairly tight up to the top. Some with arthritis or weak hands may struggle to put the compression stockings on, although there are devices available to make it easier.
It is important that patients choose a pair of compression stockings they feel comfortable wearing because most will wear them all day. They can be covered with long pants, of course, but try to choose a pair you feel most comfortable wearing all day long. In fact, many put them on before getting out of bed in the morning and take them off after climbing into bed at night. But vein specialists may give different instructions to different patients, so be sure to speak with your specialist thoroughly so you understand their instructions and how and when to wear them.
Learn more about compression stockings in Fishers, Indiana.
