Tips for Wearing Compression Stockings This Fall
The hot, humid Connecticut summers are starting to ease up, and cooler weather is on the horizon. Fall is also the perfect time to seek varicose veins treatments, especially since compression stockings are more comfortable to wear in cooler weather.
In this article, our team of experienced providers at Vein Institute explains what compression therapy is, who should consider compression stockings, and how to support your veins this fall.
What is Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy is a common treatment that helps improve blood flow in your legs. Compression therapy comes in many forms, including leg compression machines, but the most well-known type of compression therapy is compression stockings.
Compression stockings apply gradual external pressure to your legs, with the greatest pressure at your ankle decreasing all the way up. These aren’t the same as support stockings.
Compression stockings apply active pressure. The pressure of the elastic in your stocking helps to squeeze your legs which, in turn, squeezes your vein walls together. Just like walking and the contraction of your calf muscle helps encourage proper blood flow, so does the squeezing pressure of compression stockings.
Compression therapy helps support your veins health by:
Improving blood flow in your legs
Improving circulation by reducing the diameter of veins (reducing the diameter of your veins increases the velocity (speed) and volume of blood flow and helps prevent your veins from dilating or causing blood pooling)
Reducing swelling by reducing capillary leakage into tissues and by increasing absorption of fluid by lymphatic tissues
In other words, wearing compression stockings improves your circulation, reduces leg edema (swelling), and helps alleviate the symptoms of venous insufficiency.
Who should wear compression stockings?
Compression stockings are often recommended for those who have varicose veins and for those who just underwent varicose vein treatment. Some treatments require that you wear compression stockings for a specific length of time post-treatment. Research reveals that wearing compression stockings post-treatment can reduce pain and improve physical function.
You might benefit from compression stockings if:
You have varicose veins
Your legs often feel achy or heavy
You have a job that requires prolonged periods of sitting
You regularly travel and must sit for hours at a time on a plane
You’re pregnant
You have chronic venous insufficiency
You have edema, stasis, blood clots
Some athletes even wear compression stockings to promote oxygen and blood flow to their limbs during extreme workouts. Half-marathoners and marathoners, for instance, are often spotted wearing compression sleeves during long runs.
At Vein Institute, we proudly offer SIGVARIS® Compression Therapy. Our stockings are available in a variety of heights, including high value, pantyhose, knee-high, and open-toe versions.
Give us a call today to find out more or use our simple ordering form!
4 More Tips to Improve Your Vein Health This Fall
Wearing compression stockings is just one way to take care of your veins this fall. You can also try:
1. Exercising Outdoors
The weather will begin to cool down here in Connecticut over the next few months, and before the winter snows arrive, spend plenty of time outside. Whether you’re bicycling along the trails here in the Nutmeg State, hiking up in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York , or taking a leisurely walk around your block, the reality is that getting up and moving supports your circulation.
2. Eating Plenty of Autumn Foods
What’s not to love about the delicious bounty of fall? Crisp, juicy apples? Buttery squash? Autumn foods are rich in vitamins like vitamin B and vitamin C. Be sure to add as much pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, apples, and kale to your weekly menu because these foods are loaded in the vein-healthy nutrients.
3. Using Tools If Needed
Compression stockings can be tricky to put on if you have a hard time bending or reaching.
Don’t let that stop you from reaping the benefits of them, though!
Use a stocking donner to help you slide your feet into the stocking
Make sure your lotion is fully rubbed in before putting stockings on (this is really helpful since you’re probably putting more lotion on in the cooler fall months than in the summer)
Dust your feet with cornstarch if they are too wet or sweaty
4. Consider Varicose Vein Treatments
Maybe you put off varicose vein treatment in the summer because you didn’t want to feel self-conscious wearing shorts with your post-treatment compression stockings. With cooler fall temperatures, you can easily recover from varicose vein treatments without feeling self-conscious.
In addition to lifestyle changes and wearing compression stockings, we offer a variety of treatments to treat varicose veins. Potential varicose vein treatments available in our Fairfield, Newtown, or Shelton, Connecticut, office include:
To learn more about your varicose vein treatment or to find out if compression stockings are right for you, request your appointment online or call the location of your choice.
“When I first went into his office the first thing I notice is how clean and inviting his office is. I was nervous, but everyone is so caring and nice. They make you feel so comfortable and assuring you that everything is going to be ok. I had different procedures done including vein removal and I was able to walk right out and drive myself home and work the next day. I also received a call to see how I was doing. Hands down the best place ever. Thank you Dr. Alex Afshar and team!!!!! I 200% recommend him” - Christina M.
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