It is impossible to prevent an inherited tendency towards having varicose veins, but it is certainly possible to take measures that will help. Remember that varicose veins are veins that have been stretched so often that they become chronically dilated. The trick is to limit the opportunity to distend the veins. That means it is necessary to wear medical compression stockings in individuals with a strong family history of varicose veins. Proper medical grade compression stocking are only available with a doctors prescription. Gradient Compression stockings are designed to apply maximum pressure on the leg by starting at the ankle. Pressure gradually lessens up the leg. This action helps accelerate the movement of blood back up through the veins and to the heart, thus assisting circulation.
Varicose veins may be helped by avoiding occupations that require prolonged standing and it means being careful about how you sit. Always try to sit in a chair that is low enough or with the seat tilted in such a manner that there is little or no pressure on the back of the thighs.
Do not sit for prolonged periods of time. Do get up and walk around to speed up circulation through your veins. And it is important for women who are pregnant to wear compression stockings at least during the last trimester of pregnancy. Regular exercise such as walking and keeping your ideal body weight also may be helpful in preventing or lessening the symptoms of varicose veins.
How do compression stockings work?
Medically accurate compression stockings push the dilated vein walls back into place, enabling the veins to close properly and helping them “pump” the blood throughout your body more efficiently. As a result, blood flow is increased, which reduces swelling, fatigue, pain and the possible formation of blood clots in the leg.
Why is graduated compression so important?
The most important component in treating vein disease is to reduce the swelling. The greatest swelling is usually in the ankles, because of gravity. Since that is where the veins become weakest, that is where the pressure from a graduated compression stocking is strongest. Be careful of department store products that do not list a specific pressure. Even though some are labeled “support” or “gradient or graduated support”, they do not produce an effective amount of compression.
