Compression stockings for varicose veins

Varicose Veins: What Can You Do Yourself? Compression and Treatment Choice

Varicose veins (varices) are a chronic venous condition, and many experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as heaviness, pain, and swelling in the legs. Although self-treatment cannot permanently remove varicose veins, there are effective aids that can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Read here how to best manage your varicose veins in everyday life, and when laser treatment for varicose veins is the necessary solution.

Compression Stockings for Varicose Veins: Your First Line of Defense

Compression stockings or support stockings for varicose veins are the most effective non-surgical aid. Compression can relieve the typical symptoms of varicose veins almost immediately.

How Do Compression Stockings Work?

When you develop varicose veins, the legs' ability to efficiently pump blood back to the heart weakens, creating an overpressure in the veins.

• The function of compression stockings is to apply controlled pressure to the leg. This pressure supports the venous pump function and squeezes blood out of the superficial veins.
• The result is that blood finds its way back to the heart more easily and quickly, which relieves swelling, heaviness, and pain.

Important: Compression does not remove the defective venous valves themselves, which are the cause of varicose veins. Therefore, if you stop using compression stockings, the symptoms will return.

Correct Choice of Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are classified based on the pressure they exert (measured in mmHg). It's always best to consult a doctor or specialist to get the correct strength and type prescribed:

Compression Class

Pressure Strength (mmHg)

Application

Class 1

15-20 mmHg (Light)

Lighter support, often used for travel sickness or mild varicose veins.

Class 2

24-32 mmHg (Medium)

A thick, elastic stocking that provides good support and is the most commonly used for treating established varicose veins.

Class 3

35-45 mmHg (Firm)

A very thick stocking used only for severe cases of varices or serious venous disorders.

Compression stockings can be purchased from medical supply stores, some pharmacies, or online from specialized retailers. For optimal effect, the stocking must be fitted to your leg measurements.

Permanent Treatment for Varicose Veins: When Surgery is Necessary

Although compression stockings can alleviate symptoms, varicose veins must be permanently removed if you wish to be symptom-free without daily compression. This requires a minimally invasive procedure.

At Kirurgen.dk, our goal is to offer the most effective and gentle treatment for varicose veins.

Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins - Our Preferred Method

We primarily treat varicose veins with laser treatment of varicose veins (EVLA - Endovenous Laser Ablation) or other modern minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency treatment.

• Why Laser? Laser treatment of varicose veins is associated with significantly less pain, has a quick recovery time, and you can typically resume work the day after. The long-term results are fully comparable to older surgical methods.
• Modern Technology: We use modern 3rd generation laser technology (1470nm), which is both effective and has very limited discomfort for the patient.

Read more about our specialized laser treatment for varicose veins and varices here.

📞 Contact Kirurgen.dk

Whether you are seeking advice on the correct type of compression stockings for varicose veins, or if you are ready to discuss a permanent laser treatment for varicose veins, we are here to help.

Contact Kirurgen.dk for an examination that can precisely clarify your options for varicose vein treatment.

Recommendations for the Use of Compression Stockings for Varicose Veins (Based on the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) Guidelines)

Compression stockings (also called support stockings) are an important tool to help your veins function better, reduce swelling, and improve symptoms like soreness, heaviness, and cramps caused by venous disorders and varicose veins. They work by gently compressing the leg, which helps push blood back towards the heart, particularly beneficial in the presence of varicose veins.

The European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) provides guiding recommendations on when and how to use them in connection with varicose veins.

1. For Symptoms and Swelling (Before Varicose Vein Treatment)

If you have noticeable symptoms (such as tired, heavy, or sore legs) or visible swelling (edema) in your ankle and foot - often related to venous insufficiency and varicose veins - but before you have received definitive treatment (such as laser, RFA, or surgery) to close the defective vein:

• Recommendation: You should wear medical compression stockings.
• Goal: To relieve your symptoms related to venous problems and varicose veins, and to reduce or prevent swelling.
• What to use: Typically, Class 2 (24-32 mmHg) compression stockings are recommended for swelling (C3 stage), but the doctor will specify the correct pressure based on your condition and the severity of your varicose veins.

2. After Vein Treatment (Surgery, Laser, Glue, Foam for Varicose Veins)

Compression is often used after varicose vein treatment to help control swelling, reduce pain, and assist the treated vein in closing completely and effectively.

• Recommendation: Compression is generally recommended immediately after varicose vein treatment (whether it's thermal ablation, foam sclerotherapy, or surgery).
• Duration (Post-Procedure):
  • For most treatments that close the vein (like laser or radiofrequency for varicose veins), wearing the stocking for two weeks (14 days)* is often sufficient to aid healing and reduce pain.
  • For more complicated procedures, or if you have had larger collateral branches (varicose veins) removed, your doctor may recommend wearing the stockings for a slightly longer period (e.g., up to 2-3 weeks).
• Pressure (Post-Procedure): The doctor will specify the exact pressure, but it is typically a Class 2.

3. For Venous Leg Ulcers (Advanced Disease with Varicose Veins)

If you have more advanced venous disease, especially with skin changes (pigmentation, hardening) or an active venous leg ulcer caused by untreated varicose veins and venous insufficiency:

• Recommendation: Compression is crucial. It is the most important treatment to help the ulcer heal and prevent new ones from forming.
• What to use: A stronger compression system (often a high-pressure stocking, e.g., Class 3 or a special system) is necessary to achieve healing. Once the ulcer has healed, daily compression (e.g., Class 2) is necessary for long-term prevention of further damage caused by varicose veins.

⚠️ Important Safety Check: Arterial Disease

Before using any type of compression stocking for varicose veins or swelling, have your arterial blood flow checked by a doctor.

• Why? If you have poor arterial circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease), wearing strong compression stockings can be harmful, even if you have varicose veins.
• Rule: Compression stockings must NOT be used if your arterial blood flow is severely impaired.

Simple Summary for Varicose Veins

Situation

Recommendation

Typical Pressure Class (Guidance)

Before Treatment (for symptoms/swelling due to varicose veins)

Wear daily to relieve symptoms.

Class 2 (24-32 mmHg)

After Treatment (Laser, Surgery, etc., for varicose veins)

Wear for a short period (often approx. 14 days).

Specified by your surgeon.

For Leg Ulcers/Advanced Disease

Necessary for healing and lifelong prevention.

Stronger compression (Class 3 or special systems).

Always follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding the exact size, pressure, and duration for the use of your stockings for your varicose veins and venous disorders.

• The original guideline is 7 days