Do Compression Stockings Help Prevent Varicose Veins?

Short stretch elastic compression stockings reduce ambulatory venous hypertension and improve calf muscle pump function, thus reducing the progression of venous disease and improving symptoms. Compression stockings will not eradicate varicose veins. A trained phlebologist will best be able to address your concerns with an in-office duplex examination.

Thank you for your question. Compression stockings can help prevent varicose veins from worsening. They accomplish this by stimulating blood circulation in the legs with gradual pressure, helping the blood move back up the legs to the heart. However, compression stockings almost never help existing varicose veins improve or work as a comprehensive vein treatment. To get rid of the veins entirely, you will need sclerotherapy. Good luck.
 

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!