Compression therapy is a treatment that maintains pressure on a specific part of the body. It is usually recommended for vein support in the legs and ankles to help blood circulation but has many other uses also. Compression therapy may require the patient to wear compression stockings or the doctor may put a compression bandage. People who have treatment for varicose veins such as sclerotherapy or endovenous ablation may wear compression stockings for a few weeks after the treatment.
What Conditions are Treated with Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy may be useful for people with very active lifestyles who put a lot of stress on their joints as well as for people who sit or stand for long hours without much exercise. The reason this is true is that compression therapy provides the same kind of gentle pressure that muscles provide to keep the blood in the legs moving back to the heart. Some of the people who benefit from compression therapy are:
• Athletes – Whether they are running, jumping or weight lifting, athletes generally do a repetitive, high-intensity activity. They may be at risk of muscle tears and sprains, muscle fatigue and lower leg and foot injuries. Compression therapy helps increase blood flow to increase oxygen to the muscles. This may reduce pain and the time needed for recovery.
• People who fly frequently – Long flights require long periods of immobility in cramped seating. The blood circulation may become poor leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Knee-high stockings and compression socks can help prevent DVT.
• People with lymphedema – After surgery, the lymph nodes may not function efficiently at first. This may result in aching, swelling and less range of motion. Compression sleeves and other garments may improve lymphatic circulation.
• People who stand all day – Standing for long hours as nurses and teachers sometimes do my cause the leg veins to overwork which leads to varicose veins. Compression leggings and vests may help leg fatigue, back and joint pain.
• People who sit all day – Sitting for long hours in an office in front of a computer can also cause the veins to strain to move blood. Compression abdominal girdles and fingerless gloves may help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder and neck pain and disk damage.
• Pregnant women – Pregnancy puts a big strain on the whole body, but especially on the legs and abdomen. Compression maternity pantyhose and thigh-high stockings may help prevent swollen ankles and feet, varicose veins and lower back pain.
What are Compression Garments?
Compression garments are generally manufactured from elastic cloth. When they are put on, they create a graduated pressure that begins at the ankle and moves up the leg. The muscles that normally contract receive added pressure making it easier for the veins to function normally. This may help reduce pain in the lower limbs. When the circulation is improved, any swelling is reduced.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
To learn more about the benefits of compression therapy, we warmly encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Pacific Vein Care. At our convenient location in McHenry, IL, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
