Stockings for Varicose Veins and their Key Benefits
What are Stockings for Varicose Veins?
Stockings for varicose veins are quickly becoming an essential health benefit. People across the world are suffering from chronic vein problems, both in the fitness world and outside it. As a result, as much as 40% of the American population can suffer from varicose veins. And that can be a major issue. Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins that are appearing mostly on the hands and feet.
Twisted and lumpy, these veins are a major health obstacle. As a result of their swollen shape, they can make walking very uncomfortable. And when you are resting, your feet often end up swollen. Living with such an issue can be difficult. But compression stockings for varicose veins can be a major helping hand.
What are the Benefits of Stockings for Varicose Veins?
It is important to remember that these stockings won’t make your varicose veins disappear. But they can promote a proper, normal function of the veins, relieving those uncomfortable symptoms. If used on a regular basis, these accessories can introduce a number of benefits for you.
They Help With Standing and Sitting
Anyone who suffers from varicose veins will know how big of an issue this is. People with office jobs that are sitting for more than eight hours per day will experience swollen ankles and bulging veins. Similarly, those who have to stand for long will experience similar issues.
Stockings for varicose veins are here to help. They fit tightly and compress the major arteries on the surface of your legs. As a result, the vein valves are being stimulated and the blood flow is returning to normal. Without any obstructions, the blood flows freely and that means no more swollen ankles and painful bulging veins.
They Help During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are often plagued by swollen legs and difficulty standing for long periods. These issues are made even worse if varicose veins are present. They can be a hereditary issue that runs in the family or appear following multiple pregnancies. Either way, stockings for varicose veins can be a major benefit for all pregnant women. Their effect can be beneficial for all regular daily activities.
Stockings for Varicose Veins are Discreet
Those suffering from ungainly swollen veins are often forced to keep hiding and covering them up. But thankfully, stockings for varicose veins are a great and discreet solution. As a result, you can once again wear your favorite dress, pants, or tight jeans. In many cases, these stockings look just like the regular pantyhose!
What is more, their tight fit can make them truly inconspicuous beneath tight-fitting clothes! When worn properly, they won’t just ease the pains of varicose veins, but will also efficiently hide them!
How to Maintain Varicose Vein Stockings?
Contrary to popular belief, stockings for varicose veins can last you a long time – if cared for properly. Luckily, protecting and taking care of your stockings is so simple! But there are just a few tips and tricks that you need to keep in mind.
Remember to never place your stockings into the dryer. This process can shrink the sensitive fabric even further, which makes the stockings tighter, thus increasing their compression. Wearing stockings that are tighter than prescribed can make your problem even worse. So, always hang your stockings to air dry. That way they can preserve their original shape.
Consider hand washing. While certain stockings for varicose veins can be washed in the machine, it is generally not recommended to do so. Different materials and the elastics used can behave in different ways during the process. By relying on quick and thorough hand washing, you are making sure that your stockings aren’t getting worn out. Removing machine washing altogether can greatly prolong the life cycle of your stockings.
Another logical precaution you can take is to stop using fabric softeners. The effect of these stockings depends on their elasticity and on how tight they are. Using fabric softener can make them looser, which in turn removes the effect they have on your veins. Mild detergent and soap will do the trick.
Finding the Right Size and Compression
Varicose veins can affect certain parts of your legs and vary in severity. With your doctor’s guidance, you will need to find the perfect size and compression in order to effectively treat your vein problem. Due to this, you will need to understand these unique aspects of stocking for varicose veins.
In cases of mild venous insufficiency, where blood flow is only partially constricted, your doctor might prescribe stockings with the basic, mild compression. They are enough to promote a healthier blood flow and to keep swelling and pain at bay.
But when your issues become more apparent, then it might be time for stockings with moderate compression. The usual option, these stockings are the go-to option for treating varicose veins in their formative stages. They provide enough compression to keep your blood flow naturally.
Extra Firm Compression can Help with Severe Cases
But when your venous insufficiency is quite severe, your doctor will prescribe stockings for varicose veins with either firm or extra firm compression. These are the tightest stockings that really clamp down on your extremities in an effort to clear the obstructions and allow the blood to flow freely. As a result, you should see a decrease in swelling, pains, and the so-called “spider” veins.
When considering the sizes, you can choose from knee-high or thigh-high stockings. The latter can help treat large swellings but are also a great option for blending in and allow you to wear clothes you enjoy. The knee-high stockings, however, are good to treat smaller areas more intensively.
It is important to remember that these stockings cannot cure varicose veins. Still, they can provide ample relief from uncomfortable issues such as swelling and pains. When worn in the long run, they can allow for an easier and pain-free day-to-day life. Depending on the severity of your vein issues, you can consider wearing stockings for varicose veins throughout the entire day – or just a couple of hours at a time.
