Treatments
Compression Therapy
Compression stockings are an essential component of treatment of varicose and spider veins of the legs. Almost all patients are required to wear stockings for 1-2 weeks following treatment with Sclerotherapy, Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, Laser or Glue. Modern stockings, while tight, are usually of high quality, and often bring unexpected relief from leg aching and swelling.
Wearing compression stockings when you have varicose veins helps to support the weakened veins, reducing aching and swelling of the legs. Following treatment of varicose and surface veins it helps to reduce the size of the veins as the sclerotherapy process is progressing, and seems to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the legs.
Most people who have aching from varicose veins find their legs more comfortable when they wear correctly fitted compression stockings. They can be an effective way to manage venous symptoms, and are often helpful if you have ankle swelling associated with varicose veins. They are also inexpensive compared to having the veins treated.
In order to be effective, medical compression stockings are firm and tight. They tend to provide much greater resistance to stretch than the white elastic stockings used following surgery in hospitals. Initially you may find it difficult to get the stockings on and off, but they should not be painful to wear.
Compression stockings are usually required to be worn for 1-2 weeks following each leg vein treatment. Dr McMaster will advise you at the time of your treatment regarding this. For some people, particularly those with skin changes or ulcerations, it may be preferable to continue wearing stockings long term. In this case there are a variety of more comfortable and stylish sports compression stockings which may be appropriate to use.
No. TED stockings are designed for use when you are in bed following surgery, to prevent deep vein thrombosis. They are not designed for use when you are up and about outside of the hospital setting. Graduated Compression stockings are suitable for outpatient treatment for people who are mobile.