Compression stockings and venous wraps

Compression stockings can be used in the short term to control symptoms but they do not cure varicose veins or prevent them. The only definitive treatment are the minimally treatments such as endothermal ablation or foam treatment and in some cases surgery.

Stockings are useful if you have chronic swelling secondary to a DVT when the deep veins have been damaged. They can also be used as part of compression for ulcer treatment and whilst waiting for definitive treatment for your varicose vein treatment.

You will also be supplied stockings following treatment to wear for 1-2 weeks. This is really important since the compression is an important part of the treatment to seal off the defective veins. There are difference grades of stockings ranging from class one to class three compression. Before applying them it is really important to make sure your arterial circulation is sufficient, otherwise the stockings can do more harm than good. Your GP practice can usually help with this since they measure the ABPI (ankle brachial pressure index). Stockings can be quite difficult to apply and remove and there are alternatives nowadays called venous wraps which can be self tightened using velcro. They are particuarlly useful for elderly people or those with arthritis.