Should I wear compression socks or compression stockings while working out before and after surgery?

Question

I am 27 year old who is soon to get treatment for my various veins, i have quit working out for sometime. However since reading up on venous reflux (insufficiency) i want to start working out again, possibly before surgery but definitely after, should i wear compression socks or compression stockings?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Depending upon the kind of procedure you are having or degree of reflux you have, sometimes its better to work out with compression on. The legs recover from the work out much faster. The compression grade will depend on the degree of reflux. Best will be to discuss with the person doing your procedures.

Ray Bayati, MD · Answer

Hello,
TO achieve the best results out of vein ablation, you would wear compression stockings.
Since you have already diagnosis of reflux disease then one may suggest to wear stocking (knee high) long term. It would help to prevent varicose veins in calves.
Good Luck with your vein ablation.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

We always recommend compression hose after vein treatments.  We place people most often in 20 to30 mm/hg continually for 48 hours after EVLA and then as much as possible for 3 weeks.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest wearing compression stockings for at least one week after your treatment. Please make sure you get in a person consultation from a board-certified dermatologist.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

I recommend that you wear compression stockings prior to your procedure. This will help with venous return of the lower extremities and help to minimize swelling and pain. You do not have to wear them while working out but it may help minimize any symptoms you may have due to venous insufficiency. I recommend you wear 30-40mmHg. It provides enough pressure to increase the return of blood.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients should wear compression stockings if they have venous insufficiency. BestH Karamanoukian MD FACScertified vein specialist from ABVLM

John Landi, MD · Answer

Compression hose work by compressing the calf veins to increase the venous return and reduce the venous pressure in the legs.  If you are doing cardio workouts there is no need to wear compression hose.  If you are doing weights then compression hose may help.

Michael Nguyen, MD · Answer

My recommendation and post procedure instructions is to wear compression stocking for 1 week during daily activities. Also, avoid lifting more than 20 pounds for two weeks. Walking is recommended at all times. Your board certified vein specialist can measure you for medical compression stockings if you want to start using them before the treatment under his/her supervision. Medical compression stocking should have a pressure of 20-30 mmHg. 
All the best,

Eric C. Cappiello, MD · Answer

After Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), it is recommended to wear compression stocking for at least a week and up to three weeks following the removal of the ace bandages and at this time you only need to wear it during the day and not at night. Also, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for two weeks after the procedure. If instead, Venaseal closure system is used, this innovative treatment option uses an adhesive to seal the vein and does not require the use of compression stockings after the procedure. Walking is encouraged 100 percent with any of the choices before and after the procedure.  
If you want to start a conservative method of vein treatment like compression stockings, it might be beneficial to manage the underlying venous insufficiency and venous stasis temporarily. However, this should be done under the supervision of your vein specialist. 
Thank you for your question,

Should I wear compression socks or compression stockings while working out before and after surgery?

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