Compression therapy can help you manage the pain, cramping, and swelling that occurs with varicose veins. Your vascular and vein care physicians at Advanced Vascular Associates in Morristown, Pompton Plains, and Teaneck, NJ, treat varicose veins and offer a variety of effective treatments.
How Varicose Veins Affect Your Legs
Varicose veins occur when valves that regulate the one-way flow of blood through the veins fail. As a result, the blood may begin to flow in the opposite direction. When the blood pools around the valves, the veins noticeably thicken, bulge or twist.
Varicose veins can have a genetic component. You may have inherited the tendency for weak valves. Other causes can include obesity, pregnancy, injuries, surgery on your leg, blood clots, or remaining inactive or standing for long periods. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, and age is also a factor.
Compression Therapy Can Improve Your Comfort
Compression stockings improve circulation, provide support, reduce swelling and fatigue, ease pain, and keep blood from collecting in the veins. The stockings are available over-the-counter, although the products you can buy in stores may not offer enough compression if you already have varicose veins.
Your doctor can recommend the best compression level for you during your visit to his Morristown, Pompton Plains, or Teaneck, NJ, office. Stockings that provide the highest level of compression are only available with a prescription.
Compression stockings come in various lengths. Knee-high stockings may be ideal if you have varicose veins in your calves, while thigh-high or waist-high stockings may offer a better option if the veins extend the length of your leg.
Compression therapy can help you manage the unpleasant symptoms of varicose veins, but won't reverse them. If your veins continue to worsen, your vein care physician can offer other treatments.
Ease your varicose vein pain with compression therapy! Schedule an appointment with your doctors at Advanced Vascular Associates by calling (973) 540-9700 for more information.