Even before you ask yourself how to choose the best compression socks to prevent varicose veins, you need to first understand why you suffer from this medical condition.
The term varicose implies something that is not in its original shape.
When your veins become twisted, enlarged and are visible to the naked eye in an ugly manner then, they can be termed varicose. Popularly known as superficial veins, varicoses can lead to pain & swelling in the affected area. Some people have also complained of getting tired way too easily.
So, varicoses may not seem to be a major illness but it does lead to discomfort that is completely avoidable. In certain complicated cases of varicoses, bleeding from within the veins may occur. If this happens around the anus, it is termed hemorrhoids.
So, how do you get rid of varicose veins?
Well, there are a few methods and medical treatments but most are ineffective. Nonetheless, prevention is better than cure. There is no better way to cure varicose veins than by allowing your body to heal itself.
So, how can you do so?
Well, the answer is in the form of compression socks!
While these socks may not be a sure-shot solution to gnarled veins, they do help in containing this medical condition. With time & regular usage, these special socks shall help build your immunity to eradicate varicose veins permanently.
Let me now walk you through this write-up!
>>> Check Out This “Harvard Secret” to Boost Circulation & Energize Tired Feet & Legs <<<
How to Choose the Best Compression Socks to Prevent Varicose Veins Article Contents:
1) What is Varicose Veins?
2) What are the Main Causes behind Varicose Veins?
3) What are the Early Symptoms for Varicose Veins?
4) What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? Is it a Serious Medical Condition?
5) Is Varicose Veins a Cause for Worry? Is it a Serious Medical Condition?
6) What are Compression Socks & What are The Different Types of Compression Socks?
7) Who All Need to Make Use of Compression Socks?
8) What are the Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks?
9) How to Choose the Best Compression Socks for Treating Varicose Veins?
10) What are the Lifestyle Changes that would Cure Your Spider Veins Permanently?
11) How Should You Take Care of Your Compression Socks?
12) How Long would it take for Compressions Socks to Start Working on My Varicose Veins?
13) What are the Pros and Cons of Wearing Compression Socks?
14) Conclusion
What is Varicose Veins?
When the veins that are present right underneath the surface of your skin are exposed, they tend to become enlarged. Superficial veins also tend to get twisted. The most common area wherein this medical condition occurs is the legs of an individual.
As I have discussed in the above paragraphs, hemorrhoids are also a direct resultant of varicose veins. In this particular instance, these veins tend to start bleeding around the anus.
It has also been stated that when you stand for too long or exert your legs way more than necessary, it leads to varicose veins. The irritation caused is mild and not severe in nature. Medical experts also state that they are benign in nature.
It is only when the condition worsens (in rather extreme cases) that complications (other health concerns) may arise from this condition. So, in a nutshell, twisted and gnarled superficial veins may be termed as varicose.
Slightly Technical Explanation for Spider Veins:
Your veins get the ghastly term ‘spider veins’ is because the blood flow in the veins in increased dramatically. Normal blood flow is initiated from your heart.
Arteries present in the heart allow the blood to flow ‘one way’ only. Veins carry them back to the heart. When the flow of blood is increased dramatically then, the valves tend to get damaged. These damaged valves are therefore unable to support the extra flow of blood.
This is when extreme blood pressure tends to force the valves to get enlarged. The enlarged veins hold extra blood within them. When you stand on the ground for a long time period, the pressure exerted on the veins is extreme.
This causes your veins to bloat owing to extra blood. Valves are damage and the walls of the veins are also damaged. The final result is spider veins.
What are the Main Causes behind Varicose Veins?
The main cause behind varicose veins is increased blood flow and damaged ‘one way’ valves. This is a rather simple medical explanation for the same.
When the damaged valves within the veins malfunction, one-way blood flow is compromised. This causes the blood to flow backwards and the blood starts to pool within the veins. As a result, the vein gets enlarged and starts to swell.
Nonetheless, there are several other reasons for your current medical condition (spider veins).
Here are a few of the most common ones:
Varicose Veins because You are Pregnant:
The change in hormones causes changes in blood supply. Valves within the veins tend to get stressed. You also tend to put on weight (for the growth of the baby within the womb).
The production of progesterone in pregnant women increases dramatically. This in turn forces extra blood flow. The end result is the development of spider veins.
Being Overweight Causes Varicose Veins:
When your body carries more weight than what it is supposed to handle, it leads to spider veins. The extra body fat tends to place a lot of pressure on your cardiovascular system.
Simply put, your organs need more supply of blood to function normally. The delivery, spread and return of blood by these veins is a daunting task indeed. This is what causes the veins to swell and become enlarged (as they are overworked).
Being a Female Leads to the Development of Varicose Veins:
The veins of a woman tend to harbor hormones of varying types. During puberty, menstrual cycle, menopause and even pregnancy, hormonal changes are of dramatic proportions.
When female hormones are jeopardized, blood flow within the veins tends to get magnified. This is why you often see the veins of women gnarled and dilated (way more as compared to men).
Spider Veins Caused by Desktop Based Jobs:
When you do not budge an inch from your computer chair, your body tends to become stiff. Lack of optimal blood flow is also directly caused by leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Desktop based jobs force the heart to work doubly harder. This is because in this position, pumping blood to all your body parts is not at all an easy task.
Swelling in the lower body is often experienced by men and women that are indulged in a desktop based job.
The Age Related Factor:
When you grow older, your body naturally withers away. In simpler words, the normal functionality of your organs is lost as you grow older. Spider veins are also a part and parcel of growing older.
The main reason why your age starts to cause varicose veins is because your blood vessels and valves within them are damaged. This is owing to age-related damage done to your entire body.
Your Job Requires You to Stand for Hours:
If you are working for extended time periods and your job requires you to stand then again, you are likely to develop spider veins. The long standing hours cause stress on the lower body.
When your lower limbs are over-stressed, they tend to put extra pressure onto your veins. The back-flow of blood in overworked veins (in the lower body) is therefore evident.
Certain Types of Medications:
When you are taking medicines for treating hormonal imbalance then again, your veins are placed under a lot of unwanted stress. This is owing to the increased blood flow caused by these medicines.
Medications for cancer or for controlling births are also directly responsible for causing spider veins. Blood thinners have also been known to cause this condition. Anticoagulants are also often the culprits for the same.
Varicoses May be Related to Your Genes:
Your genes play a major role in determining whether you shall suffer from varicose veins or not. Family history of damaged veins with faulty valves, forces you to fall in the gene trap.
Back-flow of blood is also a genetic cause. So, men and women with a family history (of spider veins) would often get affected by this medical condition for no fault of theirs.
Smoking Cigarettes Regularly:
When you smoke cigarettes then, the walls of your veins are damaged. This is owing to the high concentration of harmful chemicals present within a cigarette smoke.
When your veins are damaged and the valves malfunctioned, the blood starts to flow backwards. This leads to the accumulation of blood in the veins present in your legs. The distortion of your veins is therefore evident.
What are the Early Symptoms for Varicose Veins?
It has been reported that 20% of the world’s global population (the adult age-group) suffer from varicose veins. This is leaving aside almost 41 million Americans suffering from this condition.
When your veins and the valves managing the single-way flowing motion of the blood get disrupted, you tend to compel the blood to flow backwards. This is what leads to gnarled veins.
Apparently, spider veins are also an indicator that your normal blood flow is compromised. An unhealthy blood circulation in the body can spell numerous troubles (in the form of ailments that can magnify if left untreated).
Here are a few signs that can help you detect varicoses at an early stage:
>>> The first tell-tale sign of you suffering from this medical condition is inflammation in the lower part of the body. This is especially true with regards to your ankles, calves and even the thigh area.
>>> The ball of your foot as well as the heel may start to pain often. If this is a one-off thing then, there is nothing to worry. Nonetheless, if it becomes a regular affair then, it is possible that you are heading towards spider veins.
>>> Apart from the unwanted swelling, the onset of varicoses is also foretold via aches and pains in the calf and thigh area. Ankles, knee joint and hip joint are included in this (uncalled for) pain.
>>> The skin on the surface may start to peel off. In fact, it also starts to become oily. It appears as though you have the clearest skin possible.
>>> Another sign that you are heading towards varicoses is that your lower limbs have developed red dots. These may be minute or even large in size. It is a clear indicator that a superficial blood vessel in your lower limbs may have burst.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? Is it a Serious Medical Condition?
This is a condition that is usually highlighted via the aid of blood clots that happen in the lower half of the body. It has also been stated that these clots are owing to veins in the lower body swelling out of proportion owing to damaged valves.
These blood clots are of dangerous category. It is quite possible that they shall loosen and then shift their direction towards your cardiac area. If that happens, they can clot again and block the arteries. Heart attacks are also possible owing to deep vein thrombosis.
The clots that occur are located in the deep veins and not the superficial veins (such as in varicoses). Pain and swelling in the calf area is an indicator of this ailment. You may also feel fatigued and unable to maintain ‘cool skin’ in the lower body.
The severity of this disease is the ability of the clot to break off in the leg and travel all the way up to your chest area. It may block the blood supply to the heart or even the lungs, thereby proving to be a life-threatening scenario.
Is Varicose Veins a Cause for Worry? Is it a Serious Medical Condition?
The arteries are responsible for pushing blood from the heart to all other parts of your body. The veins (on the other hand) transfer the blood (from your body) back to the heart.
When the veins are damaged, they tend to obstruct the backflow of blood to the heart. This in turn may result in blood clots, pain and inflammation. When the inflammation and pain is severe, you need to opt for a corrective remedy.
If left untreated, varicoses may develop into deep vein thrombosis and ulcers. When you reach to this condition, you need to start worrying about your spider veins and seek a suitable remedy for the same.
What are Compression Socks & What are The Different Types of Compression Socks?
Compression socks are specialized stockings that cover your entire leg. These stockings provide adequate pressure to your thigh and calf area. They also allow your legs to maintain adequate warmth that is needed to permit optimal flow of blood.
The pressure applied to your legs via these socks allows the extra blood deposited into your veins to flow away. This helps reduce spider veins and ease inflammation/swelling etc. Basically, these socks help in allowing the blood to flow smoothly through your veins.
What are the Different Types of Compression Socks?
While compressions socks have almost the same purpose (to provide warmth to your legs and optimal blood flow in the veins), they are available in three diverse categories.
Let me walk you through each of these in brief:
Compression Socks with Graduated Levels:
This is the first category of compression stockings. Its compression capacity is the lowest at the calf and highest at the ankle level. This is a customized pair of socks that is recommended by the doctor. You should ideally wear this stocking if you suffer from peripheral edema.
Normal Compression Stocking for Aches & Pains:
This is yet another variant of compression stockings. These are not used for the treatment of any medical condition. An even compression is provided by this kind of stockings. It helps men and women suffering from aches and pains to feel relieved in the act.
Embolism Fighting Compression Stocking:
The last and final type of compression stocking is used for the treatment of varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. These socks offer maximum compression at the ankle level. When the stocking reaches the calf area then, the force of compression decreases.
Who All Need to Make Use of Compression Socks?
Not everyone needs to wear compression socks. If you do not have any swelling, red spots or inflammation in your lower body, there is no need to wear them.
Nonetheless, there are situations and conditions when normal people without varicoses may need to wear compression socks.
Here are a few such scenarios:
>>> If you are working in a restaurant wherein you need to stand all day long and serve customers, your lower body is placed under a lot of undue stress. This is when wearing compression socks can help improve blood circulation in your lower body.
>>> If you are into competitive sports (such as running, boxing, wrestling, soccer etc.) your body needs optimal blood circulation. Compression socks can help an athlete improve blood circulation in the lower body and eradicate aches and pains completely (aids in recovery).
>>> In case you are bed ridden and unable to walk on your two feet then, swelling in the legs owing to poor blood circulation is possible. Wearing compression socks can however help you get rid of this nagging issue.
>>> Women who are expecting should ideally wear compression socks so as to ease inflammation and improve blood flow.
>>> If you are habitual of driving or flying for long hours then again, wearing compression socks is helpful. These socks ease pain, reduce swelling and allow the veins to transport blood back to the heart in an efficient manner.
>>> If you are a fashion model (habitual of walking long hours), then again, wearing compression socks is an ideal way to maintain good health.
What are the Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks?
Compression socks are not merely meant to help a person suffering from varicoses to get relief from this condition. These special socks are in fact a boon for people with normal veins as well.
Here are a few good reasons why wearing compression socks are beneficial for your overall health and well-being:
@ Compression socks work towards improving the circulation of blood in your veins.
@ They can be used for allowing your legs to recover from a hard day’s work. In fact, your aches and pain in the legs shall disappear if you are habitual of wearing compressions socks.
@ Compression socks help in optimal functioning of your lymphatic system. If any drainage needs to take place (which is being hampered owing to numerous reasons), wearing these socks shall get the job done.
@ Low blood pressure causes you to lose feeling or strength required to stand up after a long sitting session. This is when compression socks come to your rescue in providing the required assistance.
@ Ulcers have been known to form in legs when the veins or valves within the veins are damaged. Compression socks help you eliminate the risk of developing such ulcers.
@ Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that forces blood clots to break away from the leg and travel to other parts of the body. If they get deposited in the lungs, you are in serious trouble. Compression socks help eliminate that risk as well.
@ Pain and inflammation caused by varicose veins is also eradicated via compressions socks.
@ Open sores on the surface of the skin (caused by ulcers as a resultant of malfunctioning veins) is also reduced when you wear these socks regularly.
How to Choose the Best Compression Socks for Treating Varicose Veins?
When your blood flow in the legs slows down, your otherwise normal veins turn grotesque. The twisted and gnarled blue colored veins are not a lovely sight by any means.
This is when you start to seek ways and means of getting rid of them. Wearing compression socks or stockings is considered an ideal way to treat varicose veins.
But how do you choose the best compression socks?
Here are a few tips:
Determining the Required Compression Level:
Choosing the best compression socks to prevent varicose veins depends on the level of force your body requires to ease the discomfort. The three levels of compression include mild, medium and extra firm.
Mild compression based socks are best suited for people suffering from mild symptoms of varicoses. If you are in the middle stage of this medical condition (wherein aches, swelling and heaviness in the lower body is evident), use medium compression socks.
Last but not the least if you are in the severe stage of this ailment (wherein swelling, aches, visibility of veins, blood clots, ulcers are of severe nature) then, use super-firm compression stockings are recommended.
The idea here is to judge the level of your discomfort and then choose the best compression stocking for easing your medical issue.
The Material in Contention:
The next option to consider is to choose the type of material. Your compression socks can be made from cotton, opaque, spandex and even wool. It all depends on your choice. Cotton and wool are firm yet their compression capability is of low to moderate level.
Of the above choices, opaque compression socks are the most compatible. This is because they have superior compression and force to treat your vein related (varicoses) issues.
Measure Your Size:
Compression stockings are based on the size of your thigh and calf area. Basically, you need to make use of a measuring tape. Measure the dimensions of your lower body – thigh, calf, ankle and even your foot.
When you have measured your lower limb, you can share these dimensions with the concerned manufacturer. Taking measurements of your thigh, calf and foot is vital to ensure that your lower limbs receive the required compression level.
The Total Area to be Covered:
Another aspect to consider while choosing a compression stocking is the length of the product. For example, if you have varicoses on your calf area then, choose a compression stocking that is of calf length.
On the other hand, if your varicoses are located on your thigh area then, the chosen compression sock should be apt to cover your thigh area as well (stocking).
Basically, you need to choose a compression-wear as per your personal requirements. Your extent of your varicose veins is directly responsible for determining the length of the compression socks.
Check the Customer Feedback:
While compression socks are capable of reducing pain and inflammation in your lower limbs, you need to choose one carefully. With so many brands available in the market, picking the best compression socks is a daunting task indeed.
Check the feedback that is provided by customers. You can cross-check them on the internet. Doing so shall enable you to determine which brand is best liked by customers and which brands are disliked. This way, you end up choosing the best.
Your Budget Matters:
While compression stockings are not exorbitant for most people, they may jeopardize the budgets of a few. Before buying compression stockings, always check your budget and then make a purchase.
If you have spare funds then, you might like to purchase more than a single pair. On the other hand, if you have budgetary constraints then, pick a single pair. You can buy more such socks the next month (so as not to jeopardize your budget).
What are the Lifestyle Changes that would Cure Your Spider Veins Permanently?
When your veins become enlarged owing to back-flow of blood, they can leave gnarled impressions on your thigh and calf areas. This not only looks ghastly, spider veins are also painful and often inflamed.
There are however a few lifestyle changes that can reduce their ill effects considerably.
Here is a quick look at a few of these:
>>> You should never sit or stand for too long. When you do so, it hampers normal blood circulation. So, take breaks often to improve blood circulation. Stand if you sit for long or sit if you have stood for long.
>>> Avoid over exposing your body in sunlight. Ultra violet rays have been known to cause varicoses. Sun rays reduce the elasticity of your skin by damaging the surface skin. So, apply sunscreen while heading out in direct sunlight for long hours.
>>> You should reduce your overall intake of cigarettes. Smoking tends to thin the blood and even cause damage to the blood vessels.
>>> Avoid drinking alcohol (or drink as less as possible) as it hampers optimal blood flow in the veins.
>>> It is advisable that you should exercise regularly. Cardiovascular workouts tend to improve blood flow in your body. This helps reduce the chances of you developing varicose veins.
>>> Avoid fast food and processed foods as far as possible. The harsh chemicals present in them (in the form of acidity regulators and preservatives) hamper optimal blood flow in your body.
>>> Consume a diet that is rich in carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These healthy meals should be cooked at home (preferably). Maintain your macro nutrient intake.
>>> Always keep your body hydrated. For every 40 pounds of body weight, drink 1 liter of water. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, drink 5 liters of water daily.
>>> If you have been standing or siting for long and feel pain in your lower body then, raise your legs for a short while. Place them on a pillow (for about 20 minutes) to achieve proper blood circulation again.
>>> Compression stockings work wonders in improving the blood circulation in your legs.
>>> Wear clothes that are lose and comfortable. Footwear needs to be comfortable (high heels are a taboo for your veins).
How Should You Take Care of Your Compression Socks?
To allow your chosen compressions socks or stockings to last a long time period, you need to learn how to take care of them. While compressions socks are unlike your ordinary pair of socks, they are not tough to look after.
@ To start with, you should wear your socks carefully. Avoid tugging or pulling them over your legs in haste. Doing so may damage or even tear the material.
@ You should also store the stocking in a cool and dry place. Make sure that your chosen cupboard is free from pests.
@ When your socks get dirty, you should wash them with your hand. Use a mild soap and water for the same purpose.
@ After washing your compression stockings, hang them in a shady area to dry. Never place them under direct sunlight or under an electronically operated drying machine.
@ If you feel the required level of compression has reduced (owing to prolonged usage), simply buy another pair.
How do I Measure the Correct Size for my Compression Socks?
To avail maximum benefits from the compressions stocking, you need to learn how to get the right size. For that very purpose, you need to master the art of taking measurements.
You may start by measuring your legs while lying down on the bed. Ask your family member or friend to do so. To wear socks that cover the calf area, measure the length after the knee socket to the ankle area. This can be done while sitting on a chair.
It is important to measure the girth of your calf muscles as well. If you suffer from varicoses on the thigh then, stand straight and measure the length of your thigh (bottom of the butt to the beginning of the knee joint).
When you have the correct measurement in place, the final purchase shall always be a perfect fit. This shall help reduce and even cure varicose veins. So, never underestimate the importance of taking the correct measurements while buying compression socks or stockings.
How Long would it take for Compressions Socks to Start Working on My Varicose Veins?
The main aim of compressions socks or stockings is to apply adequate pressure onto the concerned area. When this pressure is maintained for a prolonged time period, the extra fluid deposited within the veins starts to disperse.
This leads to optimal blood flow within the veins. The pressure applied by these specialized socks is greatest at the bottom (around the foot & ankle area) and the least around the thigh. So, as high as they (compression stockings) go, the pressure decreases.
When the discussion revolves around how long you should wear them then, it should be as long as you can. Wear them first thing when you wake up and take them out before hitting the sack at night.
Nonetheless, the duration of wearing compression stockings depends on the severity of your varicose veins. It should ideally take a few weeks to a few months for the effects (complete healing) to take shape.
What are the Pros and Cons of Wearing Compression Socks?
Airplane staff and people suffering from varicose veins were the first ones to use compression clothing. This is because compression stockings allowed movement of the blood to the lower limbs in a streamlined manner.
People with diabetes were also advised to wear these socks.
Nowadays, athletes and bodybuilders have been known to use compression clothing to enhance their sporting performances. So, compression socks and clothing does help in improving the overall health of an individual.
Here are the top 5 advantages and disadvantages of wearing compression socks:
The Advantages:
>>> Compression stockings have the natural ability to improve blood circulation in your body.
>>> They help in optimal oxygen flow within the body as well.
>>> Athletes benefit from compression clothing as it helps in removing extra lactic acid from building up. It helps enhance their athletic performance.
>>> Varicose veins and other such conditions (that have an adverse impact on your veins) are sorted via compressions stockings.
>>> You can choose compression socks in a wide variety of material. Cotton, wool, spandex etc. are just a few varieties you can take your pick from.
>>> You can improve your overall blood supply wearing compression clothing. In fact, you can also get rid of various ailments by making use of this product regularly.
The Disadvantages:
>>> Compression socks are not suitable for all people. If you have a sensitive skin then, wearing compression stockings may trigger allergic reaction.
>>> Some people may complain of pain and discomfort after wearing compression socks. This is because they are just not habitual of wearing tight stockings.
>>> If you are staying in a rather hot climate then, wearing these stockings may be really tough. Heat tends to accumulate in the area wherein compression clothing is worn.
Conclusion:
How to choose the best compression socks to prevent varicose veins has often been a controversial topic for those that suffer from this medical condition. Nonetheless, picking a suitable compression stocking is not all that tough either.
Simply read this article carefully and gather the basic facts on compression socks. Once you have fully comprehended what they are useful for and how they help your medical condition (varicoses), choosing one that is in sync with your condition becomes a breezy task indeed.
Whether you need to wear one or not is completely your discretion. However, if you do suffer from varicose veins then, slipping on compression stockings is undoubtedly the best nature method to cure your medical condition.