“Will compression socks help varicose veins?”

Hi! My name is Nara, I’m a vein specialist working on Dr. Dyson’s team. Compression socks help to promote circulation, which can work to help alleviation symptoms of varicose veins. Healthy blood flow is key in avoiding varicose veins, but compression socks can also be worn to alleviate fluid retention (edema), promote circulation during the workday for standing or sitting jobs (such as office work, nursing, and retail).

We recommend patients try compression socks before proceeding with vein treatment, as sometimes they can provide relief; however, most patients find relief to be temporary in which case treatment is recommended. In this case, we recommend FDA-approved and minimally-invasive treatments, performed by board-certified vein doctors. Popular vein treatments include Radiofrequency Ablation, Varithena, Venaseal, or Sclerotherapy. We offer free evaluations in our clinics: call 866-831-9522 or visit our website at https://www.metroveincenters.com

It will help the symptoms. It will not treat the veins. Nor reduce their size.

They won't make them go away, but yes they will help. Wearing compression stockings can reduce the progression of the disease and may prevent worsening. There are different levels of compression. Your vascular surgeon can help you pick the right level for your vein health.

Compression stockings will not cure varicose veins but they will help with preventing them from getting larger over time when used consistently and will also help with preventing symptoms of heaviness and tiredness of legs at the end of the day in patients who have venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Compression stockings are the first line treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins and a trial of compression is always required prior to performing any interventions. Make sure to purchase compression stockings from your surgeons office or a specialized store after being adequately measured. Stockings purchased online or at stores like pharmacies and grocery stores are not tailored to your individual measurements so they won't be as comfortable and effective!

Yes they do while they are placed properly and with the adequate amount of compression. However, stockings do not eliminate varicose veins.

Varicose veins are superficial veins that are larger than usual. Compression socks are designed to exert an external force on the leg and depending on the strength of the compression can reduce the size of and the pressure in the varicose veins while the socks are being worn. Gradient compression socks are manufactured to squeeze tighter at the foot and ankle and to squeeze less tightly as they go up the leg. This "helps" the blood flow out of the leg back to the heart. Properly fitted and proper gradient compression socks can alleviate some of the swelling, aching pain, heaviness, and fatigue in patients who have varicose veins of the legs. They will not cure the varicosities and as soon as the socks are removed and you stand up, the varicosities will bulge again and can cause symptoms. That's why it is important to wear the compression socks from the time you get out of bed to the time you get back in bed (that way your veins don't have a chance to bulge and cause problems). The short answer to your question is YES, compression socks help the symptoms of varicose veins AND they do not cure or resolve your varicose veins.

KathyLee Santangelo, MD

Compression stockings are very valuable in the management of venous hypertension. However, they are not a permanent cure. To permanently get rid of varicose veins, you must evaluate the veins of the leg and presence of venous insufficiency in them. These problems can easily be treated by minor procedures performed under local anesthesia in your vein doctor's office.

Compression hosiery may delay the progression of varicose veins, but it is never curative. Hosiery can help with the discomfort of varicosities.