Varicose vein symptoms
Vein-related problems are becoming one of the more common chronic conditions in the United States.
About40％在美国人群中，可能会受到慢性静脉功能不全的影响，这种情况可能导致更严重的问题，包括静脉曲张。如果您的慢性静脉功能不全，则通常会在一天结束时会经历沉重的腿和脚踝肿胀。您可能还会遇到腿部疼痛或夜间抽筋。
这些症状occur when the valves in your veins become damaged, and it becomes difficult for blood to move up your legs toward your heart against gravity. The blood then starts pooling around your ankles and in your calves. With time, malfunctioning valves can result in varicose veins — twisted, rope-like veins of bluish or purple color, visible underneath your skin.
If venous conditions and related symptoms affect you, compression stockings might help.
Compression stockings (or socks) are a special kind of elastic hosiery that supports healthy blood circulation and helps prevent a variety of health conditions, including:
The pressure that these stockings put on your ankles and legs compresses the surface arteries and veins, helping the vein valves to function properly and blood to flow back to your heart without obstructions.
It’s extremely important to put on compression stockings in the morning, before you lower your legs and get out of the bed.
Sleeping in a horizontal position makes your vein valves function more effectively than when sitting or standing. In a vertical position, gravity kicks in and blood flow is compromised due to the damaged valves. That’s why your ankles and calves usually feel fine in the morning, and get swollen and heavy as the day progresses.
Putting on compression stockings in the morning will keep the valves in the right position to support healthy blood circulation in your legs during the day.
If you’ve already developed a vein-related condition, compression stockings can help alleviate symptoms such as:
- swollen ankles
- heavy or aching legs
- fatigue and pain
- restless legs
- night cramps
Research
Compression stockings can provide many benefits, especially in situations that aggravate venous conditions such as:
- prolonged standing or sitting
- traveling on a long flight or on other means of transportation with limited leg room
- pregnancy
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你应该总是说话your doctor to get advice about the right compression level. There are four main levels of compression:
- mild compression, which should be used if you have mild chronic venous insufficiency to support healthy blood flow so your legs can feel lighter
- moderate compression，这更有效，通常建议您经历蜘蛛或静脉曲张的症状
- firm and extra firm compression, which are typically recommended by a doctor in more serious cases of various venous diseases, includingdeep vein thrombosis,leg ulcers, andlymphatic edema
Choosing the right size for compression stockings is crucial to feel as comfortable as possible and to take advantage of all the benefits of the elastic hosiery. To ensure the proper fit, you’ll need to take measurements. Here are a few tips:
- Take measurements of your legs before you get out of bed in the morning or even lower your legs.
- For knee-high socks, measure the narrowest part of your ankles and the widest part of your calves. Then sit up on your bed, placing your feet on the floor and bending your knees so your legs form a 90-degree angle. Take the measurement between the bent knee of each leg and the floor.
- For thigh-high stockings, start the same as taking measurements for knee-high socks. Continue by standing up and measuring your thighs under your buttocks. Finally, measure the distance between your buttocks and the floor.
Taking these measurements can sometimes be tricky, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or talk to your doctor when in doubt.
Taking proper care of your compression stockings isn’t difficult. But there are a few things to keep in mind to make them last as long as possible without losing their strength and benefits:
- Use cold or mild temperature water.
- Hand-wash your stockings instead of using a washing machine.
- Don’t use fabric softener — only soap or mild detergent.
- Never use a dryer. Hang your stockings to dry instead.
Compression socks and stockings might not always prevent varicose veins from developing. However, they can function as a great supportive mechanism for a healthy blood flow and keep bothersome symptoms at bay, especially when worn on a long-term basis.
You should always discuss using compression stockings with your doctor.