Varicose veins affect more and more people across the globe. These are black or dark blue bulging veins on the legs. They are visible with the naked eye. If they go untreated, varicose veins can be painful. There are many natural treatments for varicose veins. The best varicose veins compression socks are among the best ways to get rid of them. Let’s take a look at which ones are the best compression socks for varicose veins.
There are two stages of varicose veins compression socks can help with. If the symptoms are mild, or varicose veins are just appearing lighter compression socks can do the job. These would be models with no more than 20 mm Hg pressure. In very light cases of varicose veins knee-high support hosiery might be enough. They also might stop the aching feeling and the swelling.
What does the research say?
There was a review study done in 2014 about the effects of compression garments in treating varicose veins. This particular study compressed information from 7 studies and 356 participants suffering from varicose veins. The studies reviewed used different type and strength varicose veins compression socks. Some featured pregnant women, others patients waiting for varicose vein surgery. However the participants’ blood flow, leg pain and swelling improved considerably by wearing compression socks.
The participants’ blood flow, leg pain and swelling improved considerably by wearing compression socks.
Conclusions about the optimum length of the socks were inconclusive. Wearing varicose vein compression socks had no serious side effects.
In more serious cases special varicose veins compression socks might be in order. These are the best compression socks for varicose veins. They will help end varicose veins and help revitalise the blood circulation.
How do the best compression socks for varicose veins work?
Varicose veins appear as a result of circulatory problems. The veins are responsible for carrying blood from the extremities to the blood. After the heart pumps the blood through the organs the arteries carry it to the extremities. The veins circulate deoxygenated blood full of waste materials and the arteries carry blood full of oxygen and nutrients.
Why do Varicose Veins Appear?
The veins have walls and little valves inside them. The valves help circulate the blood. If somebody spends a lot of time on their feet, or sitting down the valves are have to work very hard to push the blood against the force of gravity. With time the walls of the veins loose their firmness. The diameter of the veins increases. With increased diameter the blood flows slowly and in extreme case it might pool up. If this happens, the vein starts bulging out of the legs, and can be visible even through the skin. If the diameter of the vein increases, the valves can’t move the blood effectively, which in turn further slows down blood circulation.
The best varicose veins compression socks hold the leg like a cradle. They put pressure on the legs which in turns translates to pressure on the veins. They keep the veins firm and compact, which leads to better blood circulation. The valves can keep working hard without ever tiring.
Wearing comfortable compression socks for varicose veins improves your health considerably. If they fit right, they can be a revelation. Too tight compression socks might cut off blood circulation. The best compression socks for varicose veins feel strong and smug, but they don’t feel so tight that they leave a mark on your skin. This is the same reason why bandages applied at home can’t get the job done with varicose veins. They might be too tight, in which case they cut off blood circulation. Or they might be too loose, and that doesn’t help solve the problem at all.
History of Using Compression Socks to Treat Varicose Veins
Some form of compression therapy has been used to treat varicose veins since 1894. That was the year William Brown invented elastic compression stockings. Since then compression socks have been known to reduce leg pain, discomfort and swelling.
Where to buy compression socks for varicose veins?
Compression socks are available in pharmacies, sports shops as well as online. Although there is no need to buy them in person. Most companies sell their products on Amazon. One of the major concerns of people who don’t buy compression socks online is about sizing. Some people are afraid that they will order a pair of varicose veins compression socks, but when they arrive they will turn out to be too big or too small. However most reviews on Amazon focus on sizing. Also every product features a size chart on their Amazon site. It is easy to choose the right, fitting model.
It is also possible to go to a local sports store, and try out a few models to see which one fits the best. Then you might buy one right there, or go online hunting for a better deal.
How long should you wear the best compression socks for varicose veins?
There is no golden rule here either. The minimum time for wearing them is a few hours. If you don’t wear them at least that long, the positive effects on blood circulation will be minimal. Most people I know wear them during work, and then take them off when they get home. This ensures they wear them for eight hours or even more, but they also leave time for the leg free.
Some people get overly enthusiastic, and wear compression socks during the night too. This is not a good idea. It can lead to complications, and it is crucial to leave a little time for the legs to rest. After all the veins are under increased pressure while the compression socks are on, they require a little time to get back to the normal way.
How to choose the best varicose veins compression socks?
Although there is no one product that could be labelled the best compression socks, there are a number of features every pair of excellent varicose veins compression socks should have.
Elasticity
First of all, the socks need to be elastic. They must hold the legs firmly. At the same time they have to be loose. They have to allow the legs to move. After all if you spend all day on your feet it is best if your varicose vein socks allow you to be mobile.
Strength
There are different strength compression socks on the market. They can all treat varicose veins. The strength of the best varicose veins compression socks for every individual depends on how bad the case of the condition is. The strength of compression is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Most varicose vein compression socks are between 5 and 30 mm Hg.
5 mm Hg-10 mm Hg: Low compression – these models are best if somebody wants to prevent varicose veins of appearing. They can also work with treating mild cases of varicose veins.
10 mm Hg- 20 mm Hg: Medium compression – these models are the best varicose veins compression socks for most people. They treat circulatory diseases excellently. If you don’t suffer from extreme cases of varicose veins these are the best socks for you.
20 mm Hg – 30 mm Hg: High compression – these models are best for treatment in advanced cases of varicose veins.
Length
When it comes to length, there is one single rule. The socks have to cover the area affected by varicose veins. There is no need to get longer socks, and shorter socks would not get the job done. There are knee-high and thigh-high compression socks for varicose veins on the market. Pregnant women might try compression hosiery that reach over their bellies to get rid of varicose veins.
Material
Apart from elasticity, the best compression socks for varicose veins also have moisture wicking tendencies. If you wear them for an extended time it is crucial that the sweat can evaporate from your skin. This keeps your leg hygienic.
Antibacterial
Copper compression socks have antibacterial qualities. Copper destroys bacteria it comes into contact with. The best compression socks for varicose veins have some kind of antibacterial added material, such as copper or silver.
Conclusion
There is no one model that can be called the best compression socks for varicose veins. Everybody’s situation is different. One thing is for sure. Wearing compression socks significantly improves the state of people suffering from varicose veins.
