Conservative treatment
The most non-invasive way to manage varicose vein disease is wearing prescription-strength compression stockings (usually knee length, but sometimes thigh length). Compression stockings help alleviate the swelling and pain caused by varicose veins by squashing the leaking veins shut but not actually getting rid of them. These stockings may also help heal any skin inflammation or ulcerations which have developed. However, there has never been any evidence to show that compression stockings prevent the formation of varicose veins. Since the diseased veins that are causing the symptoms are not being eliminated, the compression stockings have to be worn indefinitely. Some patients tolerate the stockings well during the winter months but find the stockings intolerable in the warmer weather.
All operations and interventions carry some risks and one of the advantages of the stockings is that they carry the least risk for the treatment of your veins. Sometimes wearing stockings for a short period can be helpful – if your symptoms improve to some extent then it’s likely that more permanent treatment will be beneficial for you. Some patients get no benefit from stockings though. In the past the appearance of the stockings has understandably put some people off using them. The heavy brown stockings of the past now have a number of more cosmetically appealing options available.
If you wish to see these newer products please try the following links:
Credenhill www.credenhill.co.uk/
Activa www.activahealthcare.co.uk/products.php?q=Activa_British_Standard_Hosiery
