I am a 25-year-old nurse and I currently have some tiny spider veins on my ankles and have some visible veins on my calf. I want to prevent them from getting worse. My mom has swollen varicose veins. I do not have any medical problems.
Your best bet is to have a formal venous insufficiency evaluation with diagnostic ultrasound to see if you have named superficial venous insufficiency. Compression hose are helpful but not therapeutic in terms of
preventing progression of the disease and veins from developing, they will slow the progression, but progress they will, unless something more definitive is done to address the underlying problem. 20-30 mm Hg hose are the most practical strength, although 30-40 and higher are available, just difficult to tolerate.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You cannot prevent spider veins, but you will probably feel better with standard compression hose. I would not spend over $20 for these.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would recommend an 18-20 knee high. They come in different colors. Check out the veno train sport from Bauerfeind. It is my personal favorite.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Great question. As you are on your feet for at least 12 hours and have a family history of vein problems, we usually fit our patients into 20-30 mmHg hose and usually a thigh length. You may never progress to having varicose veins. Compression stockings are a good idea not only to slow down the progression (it won't prevent) of spider veins, but also so your legs won't be so tired after work. Life after work Compression hose aren't your grandmother's stockings anymore. Some are very sheer and quite comfortable to wear. They come in Knee-high, Thigh-high and Pantyhose.
Answered by Maria Bein, RN, Certified Fitter
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It probably would be fine for you to start out with 15-20 mm. of compression hose at this point, given that you state you have no varicosities at present and no other health issues. You may find though, as time progresses, you will want to perhaps increase the compression to 20-30 mm.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Knee high 15-20 should be adequate and comfortable.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The best ones are well fitted. Either 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg are OK if you can tolerate and feel
comfortable all day. Calf, thigh high or pantyhose are personal choices.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings only help symptoms like swelling, tiredness and other
symptoms, but do not help prevent varicose or spider veins. Both can be
hereditary, related to pregnancy, hormonal changes and other conditions
which may be an under lying problems with veins that you can't see on
surface. Also depending the pattern of spider veins can indicate underlying
vein problems.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Your profession and your family history are significant risk factors for vein disease. As a nurse you et to spend many long hours standing. You should wear thigh high compression stockings at least 20-30 mmHg or higher during the hours that you work. Daily walking exercise and stay slim will help a lot.
Have you ever had a venous Doppler to determine if you have venous reflux?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
15 to 20 mmHg is fine for what you describe and knee length is probably all you need.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
We encourage 30-40 mm Hg compression hose for nearly all adults who are willing to wear them in order to slow down the inevitable effects of gravity upon our venous systems as we age. The free market system has produced incredible support hose from manufacturers who compete with each other to produce comfortable, attractive support hose. Consider wearing this compression rating which is not much more difficult to get on than lighter weight hose. Theoretically, you need a prescription to purchase 30-40 mm Hg compression hose and do not need a prescription for 20-30 mm Hg compression hose. When you are 2 or 3 times your current age, you will be VERY glad you started wearing support hose at an early age. It is wise to treat your body well as you might be using it for 100 years.
Published on Jul 11, 2012