If you live with venous insufficiency or varicose veins you may experience a decrease in active lifestyle due to pain and uncomfortability. These conditions can cause a myriad of symptoms that make your legs an unwanted focus.

Symptoms may include but are not limited to:

• Redness
• Swelling (edema)
• Itching
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Visible veins that become dark reddish purple-blue in color and they can become raised or twisted
• Legs may feel heavy
• Legs may become painful
• Legs may ache
• Ulcers may develop

One of the most commonly recommended and used home remedies that have been shown to help lessen the severity of symptoms is the use of compression.

Compression helps the body by reinforcing the vein walls. This is especially helpful on veins with weakened or damaged walls. Proper pressure can be achieved by utilizing compression bandages as a wrap, compression socks (which only cover the bottom half of the leg) or compression hose which will encompass the entire length of the leg.

Compression hosiery has been shown to help improve blood flow as well as reduce swelling. They may also help reduce the formation of blood clots. Compression garments should only be worn while you are up and mobile, usually in 8 hour time periods. Be very careful lounging around in them or laying down at night as too much compression can actually be harmful as it may cut off circulation further.

Compression socks and hose should feel and fit snuggly but not tightly. If you feel like you are starting to lose circulation remove them. They are made in a variety of compressions from mild to tight. The higher the number, the firmer the fit.

Here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates Vein Clinic we often recommend our patients try compression as an at home addition to other treatments offered. Interested in learning more? We would love to talk with you and see how we can help benefit your vein health. If you are in the Tampa, Florida area give us a call at (813) 975-2800 or visit www.tampacardio.com online to learn more about our practice and our physicians.