Compression Therapy

Graduated compression stockings provide support to veins of the legs by applying compression that is firmest at the ankle and slightly less further up the leg. They improve the efficiency of blood flow through the veins, prevent venous stasis, and can relieve some of the symptoms of venous disease. They come in a variety of strengths, for example 8-15 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, and 30-40 mmHg. They also come in a variety of styles including knee-high, thigh-high, and pantyhose style.

Compression stockings have their place in both the treatment and prevention of vein problems. Before treatment, most insurance companies require that patients have had a trial of “conservative management” before they’ll pay for any definitive treatments. While they don’t correct the underlying causes of vein problems, these stockings can provide some relief from swelling, aching, and heaviness. Down sides to compression stockings are that they can be difficult to get on, difficult to keep up, and may feel uncomfortably tight or hot after they’ve been worn for a while.

After treatments, compression stockings decrease bruising and soreness. We recommend wearing them for one week after endovenous ablation and phlebectomy – or for as long as they make your leg feel better.

Compression stockings have been shown to improve the efficacy of sclerotherapy and diminish the risk of adverse reactions. Some vein clinics advertise “compression free” treatment of spider veins. While recommending compression stocking use after sclerotherapy may not sound as exciting in advertisements, at MVCS, we’d like you to get the best results in the fewest number of treatments. Wearing compression stockings for about 2 weeks after injections has been shown to do that.

Vein disease is a chronic problem. Wearing a comfortable, light-weight compression stocking long term at times when you’re going to be up on your feet or sitting for a prolonged period of time may decrease your risk of developing recurrent varicose and spider veins. We like our patients and would enjoy seeing you back in a few years for another round of treatments, but we’re sure you have better ways to spend your time! We’d be happy to help you find a compression stocking that you can feel good in after your treatments are complete.