How Wearing Compression Leggings Can Help Your Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when the veins in the lower legs weaken or get damaged, causing blood to reflux in the wrong direction – away from the heart. This reflex then leads to the swelling of the veins that are unsightly and painful. Wearing compression leggings is useful to relieve vascular symptoms and prevent your condition from getting worse. Keep in mind that this is not a “cure” and should be used in combination with other vein treatments.

So how do compression garments help alleviate your varicose veins? A compression garment – in the form of compression sleeves, stockings, and socks – is specially made and snug-fitting, gently squeezing and adding pressure to the muscles in your legs. This pressure improves blood circulation, helps relieve symptoms like pain and swelling, and prevent further complications like venous insufficiency.

Compression Tights for Varicose Veins: Benefits and Uses

1) Better Blood Circulation

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged, and dilated veins overfilled with blood that usually occur on the legs, down to the feet. The pressure in the snug-fitting stretchy compression leggings helps increase blood circulation in the lower legs, ankles, and feet. It also offers proper support to make the blood flow easier back to the heart.

2) Less Swelling

Swelling in the legs occurs when a pool of fluids is trapped in the tissues. Compression therapy aids by using pressure to prevent the fluids from accumulating. The socks’ compression works by gently pushing blood circulation up the legs to relieve the pain, swelling, and blood clots.

3) Improved Lymph Flow and Removal of Lactic Acid

Lymphatic flow is vital in maintaining fluid levels in the body, absorbing digestive tract facts, and removing cellular waste. Compression tights improve lymph flow by compressing the lymphatic networks on the legs. Wearing compression tights also removes lactic acid, especially after exercise, as it reduces muscle soreness at a faster rate.

Caring for Compression Stockings

Every compression stocking is not created equal. While they’re an effective way to improve your vascular health, you need to learn how to properly care for them to maximize their efficacy and lengthen their life span. You’ll also be protecting your investment in the interim.

1) Putting On Your Compression Stockings

It’s much easier to put on your compression stockings when you’re seated or lying down. There’s less pressure on your leg veins, and it’s easier to reach your feet. You might also want to ask for help from someone else. Remember: Do not pull or tug on the fabric to prevent any damage.

2) Washing Your Stockings

The golden rule is “one to wash, one to wear.” Make sure you have enough supply of compression stockings so that you have a new pair to wear every day. When you switch out 2 pairs on a regular basis, your compression therapy is enough to last an entire year. We recommend hand washing your stockings in warm water and a mild soap. Dry using a small fan.

3) Replacement of Compression Leggings

Should the silicone band at the top portion of your stockings start to lose its grip, use a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the band. If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol, hand wash with hot soapy water. This process increases the longevity of the band; however, don’t force it to have a long life if it’s clearly deteriorating.

The same goes for the garment itself. If your compression stockings start to loosen up and slide up your leg too easily, replace it. As the name implies, compression therapy also works if it’s compressing. You won’t experience its benefits if your garment does not have a snug fit.

Tips for Finding the Right Compression Leggings for Varicose Veins

There are a plethora of options when it comes to compression garments which come in various sizes and strengths. While it might be difficult to find the model that best suits your health needs, it’s still important to get medical advice from your vein doctor.

Here are 3 steps you should follow to decide which option is for you:

1) Choose Your Compression Level

Compression leggings to vary in compression levels, but you may also opt for graduated compression:

• 15 to 20 mmHg: This compression level isn’t too tight on your legs. It’s great for daily wear and sports recovery.
• 20 to 30 mmHg: Ideal for patients looking for a bit more support. It can also manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.
• 30 to 40 mmHg: The strongest level of compression is recommended for serious conditions (e.g., blood clots, edema, severe varicose veins).

2) Choose if You Want a Sock or Stocking

You may opt for knee-high compression socks, thigh-high, or pantyhose/waist-high. Your choice depends on the affected area on your legs. If you’re experiencing swelling only in your ankles, knee-high socks should be enough. If there’s pain on or above the knee, consider the other options.

3) Choose the Style and Material of Your Compression Leggings

You also have a wide range of options when it comes to customizing style and material: opaque fabric, sheer fabric, cotton, or wool. Opaque leggings are considered the most comfortable material and are more durable than sheer, a lightweight and fashionable fabric. Cotton and wool, also known as a high-tech blend for sports materials, can control heat and moisture; however, these are usually only available in lower compression levels.

Effective Compression Leggings for Men and Women

While manufacturers of compression stockings label them as gender-specific, there is not much difference between the products for men and women. The variation comes mostly in the foot size and the fabric style. Since men generally have larger feet compared to women, sheer fabric is usually made for women’s stockings. It’s best to use doctor-prescribed compression stockings to achieve your desired results.

Below are some of the best and most effective graduated compression stockings and leggings in the market:

Where Can I Find Varicose Vein Tights?

The most appropriate compression tights for you greatly depends on the severity of your varicose veins. You can buy compression tights over the counter, medical supply stores, online, athletic stores, and in drug stores. These cost around $10 to $100 per pair. Don’t forget to check if your insurance covers the costs.

Get Fitted for a Compression Garment at the Vein Care Center

Lots of companies make compression leggings in different price ranges, qualities, and compression levels – so choosing the right one for you might seem difficult. If you want to make the most informed and safest choice, you can talk to a vein specialist at the Vein Care Center. We will recommend the best product, as well as other proper vein treatments. Book an appointment today.