Varicose veins is a medical condition that can be painful and ugly all at the same time. Thanks to Science, there are various treatments available for you to choose from. You can choose amongst different surgeries which will definitely eliminate varicose veins. However, due to the nature of the treatment itself, it is natural to feel leg sore, swelling, and pain after undergoing varicose vein treatments. This is when compression socks can help your legs heal faster and make the treatment more effective. .
So, how long should you wear compression socks for varicose veins? Keep reading to learn more about the recommended length of time you can expect wearing compression stockings for your recovery after treatment or surgery.
1. After Vein Ablation
The downside is that this treatment can cause your legs to be somewhat sore afterwards which means you’ll have swollen legs. That’s when wearing compression socks come into play. They can help mitigate some of the post-treatment soreness, thus helping your legs to heal faster.
Typically, you only need to wear compression socks after vein ablation procedure for four weeks. Wearing compression socks is recommended after vein ablation because they can help improve blood flow and prevent swelling. They can also reduce blood clots in the legs after treatment.
2. After Spider Vein Treatment
Spider veins are the smaller, finer version of varicose veins. They may appear anywhere else in the body but they care most commonly seen on the lower extremities. Spider vein treatment requires injecting a solution directly to the veins. The treatment is usually painless, but there could be bruising at the injection site.
Wearing compression socks for two weeks or more following the treatment of spider veins is highly recommended. Since you won’t be able to return to work immediately, wearing compression socks for a few more weeks will aid and hasten the healing process.
3. After Varicose Vein Surgery
The best compression socks can be a valuable tool for recovery after varicose vein surgery. Wearing compression socks will not only improve blood flow to speed up healing, but can also prevent new spider veins from reoccurring by strengthening your vein walls.
However, extra precautions should be taken, especially if you have a family history of medical conditions or other health issues that put you at risk for developing varicose veins.
4. What to Look for in Compression Socks
Choosing the best compression socks is a vital part of your treatment plan for varicose veins. However, selecting a pair of compression socks can be overwhelming with all the different types and brands in the market today. To help you with your search, here’s what you should look for when buying compression socks for your varicose veins:
a.) Medical-Grade Compression
Be sure your compression socks offer medical-grade compression ratings so they can help you recover more easily and effectively from spider vein treatment or vein ablation. Medical-grade compression socks are available in compression ratings of 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg, or 40-50 mmHg.
b.) Comfort and Fit
Wear compression socks for varicose veins should fit your legs well and make you feel comfortable. Look for socks made from a breathable, lightweight fabric with extra softness in the toe and heel areas to ensure ultimate comfort all day long.
c.) Appropriate Length Socks for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins usually appear from the back of your knees down to your feet. So it’s crucial to wear compression socks that are 16 inches long or 18 inches long. Be sure to choose a pair that’s long enough to reach above your knee without cutting into your leg or thigh area. Your compression stockings and socks should also be long enough to cover the entire circumference of your ankle.
Compression socks may not be easy to put on and off. So picking the correct size compression socks based on your calf circumference measurement and shoe size is extremely important. Moreover, this can also affect your leg’s healing.
5. Takeaway
Individuals who spend all day on their feet are most likely to develop varicose veins. This is especially true for people whose job comprises of sitting or standing for long periods of hours. Individuals who drive or travel for hours are also candidates for having varicose veins. The long hours and other factors such as weight and poor blood circulation will eventually lead their sore and aching feet to developing varicose veins. Wearing compression socks isn’t just a fashion statement. They can be worn during the day to relieve symptoms of varicose veins. They can also be worn at night to provide comfort especially for people who have painful varicose veins. Overall, owning a pair of compression socks are fantastic investments for anyone with varicose veins or other circulatory conditions that cause pain and discomfort.
Unisex
8-15 mmHg
Thanks for this. It’s a big help since I’m a bit confuse on what should I look for for a compression socks.