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Compression Therapy is the mechanical treatment of venous and lymphatic
problems using pressure provided by an elastic bandage, medical compression stockings,
socks, hosiery and arm-sleeves. It is the basic treatment for chronic venous insufficiency
and lymph edema. Medical stockings are prescribed by physicians and delivered by
specialists.  They are made according
to strict standards guaranteeing:
- Accurate Compression
- Graduation of Compression
- Durability
Vein disease occurs when your veins have trouble carrying blood from your feet back to
your heart. Signs that this is occurring may take many different forms. Any of the
symptoms listed below MAY indicate the presence of vein disease. Please check with your
doctor for more information and a professional examination. Prompt diagnosis and treatment
are crucial in treating vein disease.
- Tired, heavy-feeling legs
One of the first signs of vein disease is when your legs feel chronically tired
and heavy in the evenings. This is a clear indication that the return flow of blood from
the legs to the heart is impaired. The main cause is gravity. After a long day of standing
on your feet, your weakened veins are less able to carry the blood back up to your heart
efficiently. The result is oxygen-depletion in your legs, giving you that heavy, tired
feeling.
- Leg pain from prolonged sitting or standing
The muscles in your legs play an important role in massaging the veins and
helping them "pump" blood. During long periods of sitting or standing, when the
muscles are at rest, blood may collect in the legs and ankles. The leg veins stretch
easily and may become enlarged by the pressure of the blood. This in turn can cause dull,
aching pain.
- Swollen ankles at night
Thick, swollen ankles are definite signs that blood is congested in the leg
veins. Over time, damaged vein walls can become even more stretched out and permeable,
allowing fluid and protein to filter from the veins into surrounding leg tissue, which
causes the swelling. When you lie down at night, the pressure from gravity is equalized
across your leg--which is why the swelling usually goes away overnight.
- Varicose or spider veins, especially during or after pregnancy
If you had varicose veins or leg pain during pregnancy, you may have developed
vein disease without knowing it. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body greatly
increases, stretching your veins beyond their normal capacity. Even though varicose veins,
swelling and pain may go away after birth, the damage done to veins during pregnancy is
permanent and may cause problems later in life.
- Tingling, numbness, burning or cramping in legs and feet
Since vein disease can cause serious circulation problems, your lower legs and
feet may not be getting the oxygen they need. In essence, they may be "falling
asleep" more often than usual, or suffering from muscle cramps.
- Discoloration of the skin
When the deep veins are unable to carry the blood back toward the heart efficiently, this
is called chronic venous insufficiency. Over time, leakage of blood into the area
surrounding the veins can cause tissue to die, darkening the skin.
- Open sores or ulcers on the lower leg
When chronic venous insufficiency reaches its most serious point, ulcers may
appear on the lower leg. These are the result of blood leaking into the leg tissue and
damaging the skin. These open sores are often very difficult to heal.
- History of vein problems in the family
There are many different causes of vein disease, but the main one is heredity. The
condition often runs in families. If your mother or grandmother, or even someone on your
father's side, suffers from serious vein problems, you are at a higher than average risk.
The earlier you take precautions and treat the problem, the better chance you have of
avoiding serious complications.
While vein disease is progressive and irreversible, there are effective prevention and
treatment options. There are exercises you can do that will help your legs feel better.
Under your doctor's care, you can explore treatment alternatives that can help support
your weakened veins, halt the progression of the disease and let you enjoy an active,
pain-free lifestyle.
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