The Importance of Compression Stockings

Compression stockings can alleviate some of the symptoms from varicose and spider veins, like pain or swelling, but more importantly they help direct blood flow back to the heart.

A compression stocking is hosiery that provides pressure that is strongest around the foot and ankle and loosens as it moves up the leg.  The steady pressure provided by compression stockings assists the leg muscles and veins in moving blood more efficiently and quickly back up to the heart.  They can also prevent the superficial veins, directly beneath the stockings, from over expanding and pooling blood.  To ensure best results they should be worn during daytime hours on a daily basis.

It is important to know that even though compression stockings can alleviate some symptoms they cannot treat the underlying cause of varicose veins.  Even when worn faithfully the disease may progress to a point that surgery may become necessary.  Compression stockings do reduce the risk of developing a blood clot on long plane or car rides.

The only compression stockings proven to work are medical grade compression stockings requiring a prescription from your physician.  Those you buy online or in magazines are not as effective.  They also need to be measured to fit you properly and be effective.