Compression stockings may not fully prevent varicose veins, but can alleviate symptoms and buy you some time before you require more agressive treatment. Varicose vein etiology is complex (genetics, occupation, age, sex, etc) and compression stockings are part of the treatment options. Do not feel frustrated by the situation right now! There have many advances in the treatment of varicose veins in the past 10 years.
Use of a duplex doppler can identify venous reflux and new tehnologies with endovenous laser treatments make treatment much more simple. EVLT (endovenous laser treatment) can be performed in the office, under local anesthesia, and you can walk out of the office and return to work the next day. Compare this to vein stripping whcih is performed in the hospital, under general anesthesia, and may require several days of strict bedrest! Varicose vein treatment has come a long way!
