Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins – most often found in the legs – that are problematic because they can cause discomfort in the form of aching, swelling, and pain. The veins may appear to be blue or dark purple and swollen, especially if they are very close to the skin’s surface. Valves in the veins that allow blood to make its way up to the heart again can wear out or become faulty, allowing some blood to flow back in the wrong direction or pool.
As many as 23% (or possibly more) of all adults experience varicose veins. Pregnant women are prone to experiencing varicose veins at some point. In fact, women in general have been found to be more likely to develop varicose veins. Also, people who are overweight are at risk of suffering from varicose veins.
How Compression Socks Can Treat Varicose Veins
In isolated cases, surgery may be used in the treatment of varicose veins. If so, compression socks are a part of the recovery process, especially for the first 3 weeks after surgery, if not longer.
When surgery is not needed, which is in most cases, compression socks are used to treat the symptoms of varicose veins – and while they will not eliminate the existence of the veins themselves, compression socks can alleviate the pain and swelling and promote better blood flow to the legs which results in quite a few benefits in healing and preventative health.
Overall, compression socks will help with the discomfort, pain, and swelling associated with varicose veins. Compression socks may even prevent worsening or new varicose veins. One study showed symptoms of pain and swelling improving in just one week of wearing 18 to 21 mmHg compression socks. Another study showed that wearing 22 mmhg compression socks for 6 months was shown to control leg swelling and pressure on veins in pregnant patients.
If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, or if your hobby or physical activity keeps you on your feet a lot, and you are concerned about swelling or pain associated with varicose veins, compression socks are worth looking into and a wonderful tool available for you. Compression socks are available in a wide variety of colors to enjoy that will match almost any other gear or uniform you may wear, and are becoming used by many to treat conditions such as varicose veins as well as other conditions of the legs.
How Compression Socks Benefit Varicose Veins
Compression socks work by promoting blood flowing back up the leg against gravity, through graduated compression; the sock is tighter at the bottom than the top. The compression range usually found most commonly helpful is between 20 and 30 mmHg (this medical standard for measurement of pressure is millimeters of mercury). This pressure aids in the movement of the blood up the leg, and through the veins’ system of valves, which prevents blood from flowing backwards or pooling, and overall allowing faster venous return – that is, allowing the blood to return back to the heart more quickly. Some studies have shown the wearing of compression socks to increase the blood flow up to 40% more.
Compression socks come in several sizes which are based both on the circumference of the leg (which should be measured at the largest part of the calf) as well as length. The right fit will be very snug but not verge on being unbearable or uncomfortable. Calf compression socks are worn just below the knee. Most people wear compression socks the entire day, as they go about their duties and are upright, as this is when the socks give the most benefits.
Physix Gear Sport is the World Leader in Production of the best compression socks. Click here to head to the Physix Gear compression sock store to check out how affordable these socks are. Try them risk free; if you don’t like them, mail them back and we’ll give you a full refund!