Compression therapy plays an important role in the treatment of varicose vein disease. It’s a safe and effective way to increase blood flow in the lower extremities without surgery. It may also help alleviate pain and loosen constriction between the vein walls.
Depending on your unique situation your doctor may recommend compression therapy of between two and six days per week. He or she may recommend overnight compression therapy as well.
Are compression hose required before vein procedures?
Most insurance companies require a ‘trial period’ of conservative therapy (e.g., medical grade graduated compression hose) before they’ll consider paying for surgical treatments. The required length of time varies depending on your insurance plan, but typically ranges from two weeks to three months. It’s important to keep this in mind as you’re planning your vein care therapies and procedures.
Benefits of wearing compression hose
The good news is compression hose add much-needed pressure to the areas of restricted blood flow, reducing pain and allowing the veins to loosen. The better news is they’re better (and much more fashionable) than your grandparent’s stockings. Wearing compression stockings:
- Improves circulation in the legs.
- Decreases swelling in the legs.
- Provides for a reduction in diameter of major veins by increasing the volume and velocity of blood flow.
- Helps prevent blood from refluxing downward to the foot or into superficial veins.
- Encourages blood to flow back toward the heart.
- Lowers your risk for orthostatic hypotension, which causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness when you stand.
- Helps prevent deep vein thrombosis in your legs.
If your vein care specialist prescribes compression hose to help treat conditions like venous insufficiency, be sure to get a proper fit and follow his or her instructions for putting them on, taking them off, how long to wear them, how often to wear them and how to clean them. It’s also important to monitor skin changes in the areas that come in contact with the hose and talk to your doctor if you experience any issues.
If you’d like to learn more about how compression hose can be used to treat your varicose veins, call Carolina Vein Specialists at 336-218-8346.