Get Ready For Summer With Compression Stockings

Now that winter is winding down, it’s easy to get lost in thoughts of a long-awaiting tropical vacation. Sandy beaches. Toasty temperatures. And maybe a pina colada.

Unfortunately, some of us get an unpleasant introduction to summer when we try on the swimsuit only to discover that a new varicose vein has decided to make an appearance. There it is, bulging for the world to see. There’s no easier way to ruin the mood than to think of everyone seeing those veins while you enjoy the sun in your swimsuit.

The good news is that varicose veins can be treated. And now is a good time to come in and have them looked at before summer. You can also keep them from getting worse with compression stockings. The concept is fairly simple: Strong elastic stockings apply pressure to your leg muscles, easing venous pooling. When your legs are in motion, that mild pumping action — aided by the pressure hosiery — enables blood to flow away from the legs, where clots may form.

Compression hosiery gently squeezes the muscles, even while a person is sitting, as well as when moving about. To reduce the pain, swelling, and discomfort of varicose veins, a doctor may recommend that the patient wear stockings that extend from foot to thigh.

Compression socks may work for some milder cases of varicose veins, but sometimes a more aggressive treatment may be required. The best idea is consult with a doctor. So if you have a vacation coming up during the months ahead, and are worried about unsightly varicose veins, give us a call and we’ll see what we can do.

Lisa’s Testimonial

“I can now stand and sit for extended periods and have been so pleased with the care and attention from IVC.”
I have suffered with painful veins for years. I had tried water aerobics, support hose, elevation and herbal treatments with little relief. I am now running and enjoying pain free legs on most days. This has been a great benefit to my life. I can now stand and sit for extended periods and have been so pleased with the care and attention from IVC.
Thanks to all the doctors and staff!!
Lisa G. – Treated 2011

What should I address first, my pelvis or my legs?

Often times our female patients have both leg varicose veins and pelvic varicose veins. Although these veins are in different locations both sources can be symptomatic to the patient. The question then becomes “which do I treat first?”

The problematic veins although similar in pathology and symptoms are treated in different methods. The legs are treated as an in office procedure involving the use of EVLA, sclerotherapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy. The pelvic veins are treated with a same-day hospital procedure called a venogram with coil embolization. The goal with both procedures is to close down incompetent veins that cause the symptoms. And while these are very different procedures often both procedures need to be performed to reduce the symptoms. The question of which procedure to do first really comes down to which problem is causing you the most pain.

There is not a 100% right or wrong answer to this question and so mostly it is a judgment call on the patient’s part. There are a few cases where the doctor may have a reason to treat one problem over the other but this is because it will be in the patient’s best interest.