Varicose veins are the result of venous insufficiency. There are many things that influence the health of the veins in our legs. Among these are hereditary, obesity, sedate life styles, and of course, age. The population of the United States is getting older, the Baby Boomers are now in their 60′s, and, unfortunately many of us are over-weight (including Rod and Vanda).
The Heart is responsible for the blood flow in our bodies. The circulatory system is made up of the heart, arteries which carry blood from the heart to our legs and arms, arterioles and capillaries (where oxygen is exchanged), and veins which carry blood back to the heart. The heart is an excellent pump, but it needs assistance in getting blood flow from our legs and back to the heart. This is where the valves in our veins come in. The tiny valves in the veins open and close to allow blood to flow only one-way back to the heart. The problem occurs when the valves get damaged form age or from physical injuries to the leg and do not close properly. When the valves get damaged they cannot close properly and the blood can then back-flow and create pooling. This can cause stasis dermatitis, edema, and in servere cases blood clots or even lymphedema.
Now let’s discuss the particular vein diseases
Spider Veins
Spider veins are created by small dilations in the veins just below the skin. Yes, they are unsightly; they may cause your legs to ache. They are giving you a warning to wear compression stockings to keep them under control so that varicose veins do not develop.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are created by poor circulation in the venous system. They are generally ropy looking and if should be evaluated by your physician. If left untreated, they can lead to much more serious problems. With varicose veins the valves in the veins become incompetent and the function of returning blood to the heart has been compromised. This condition is called venous insufficiency and can have very serious consequences. Wearing your support hose can assist in maintaining control of the varicosities. There are also many physicians who can advise you of various medical treatments including oblation surgery.
Stasis Dermatitis
Is a red looking inflammatory skin disease that is common with people with chronic venous insufficiency. Again, wearing compression stockings will help maintain control of this disease, if left untreated it can lead to venous ulceration and lymphedema.
Venous Stasis Ulcer
As you can tell venous diseases of the leg can become progressively worst. When you are experiencing leg problems always consult with your physician. They can direct you to wearing the correct compression stockings and can assist you in maintaining control of the disease.
Filed under: Compression Stockings, Leg Health Conditions, Varicose Veins, Venous Insufficiency Tagged: | Compression Stockings, spider veins, stasis dermatitis, Support Hose, Varicose Veins
I have been very interested in your articles on leg health. I wear compression stockings and they are very helpful. Do you have any information on horse chestnut extract cream? A vascular surgeon recommended it, but I cannot find it for sale anywhere.
D. Wells
Horse chestnut extract cream can be found at most health food stores or at any of the reputable Vitamin shop on line. Be sure to educate your self before using any herbal remedy and discuss it with you physician.
What is oblation surgery? When is it considered/needed?
Hi Jeannie,
A great reference for the procedures for varicose veins is VascularWeb.com. Here is the link http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Varicose_Veins.html
In Ablation therapy a flexible tube (catheter with electrodes on the the end) is inserted into the varicose vein. The walls of the vein are heated to close the vein. The vein is absorbed into the body and in most instances the vein will re-channel.
A vascular surgeon would be the best person to help you determine if it is a necessary procedure.
Remember wearing compression stockings is a non-invasive procedure which can enable the individual to return to their normal routine.
Thanks for asking. Vanda
How can I find a physician that takes Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers serious? My husband has bloodclots in both legs, he develops a terrible itch after wearing stockings for longer than a day, therefore is not consistently wearing them. The last time he developed an ulcer we finally found a wound care specialist that cut the ulcer and actually helped heal it pretty fast. However, it was basically a quick fix without any advice as far as longterm prevention is concerned. Any advice?
There are many wound care clinics. Speak to friends and ask who they have been pleased with the results achieved. You might want to try the Sigvaris 230 cotton which has 100% cotton skin contact. It may not be the stockings, but his legs need lots of lotion and special care. Seek a physician’s advice. It is very important he wear the support stockings.
Thank you for suggesting a different type of stocking. I will try them with our next order. If there a special lotion that you recommend?
Hello,
It’s funny one of my patients just finished lymphedema wrapping. One leg had been wrapped and when she started putting the stocking on, we had her use Alps Lotion to enable the stocking to go on easier. Alps is Silicone Skin Conditioner for Sensitive Skin. When she came out of bandages on the second leg, she said it was very itchy and she used the Alps on it and it stopped the itching. You have to be very careful, if you get it on the hands that are going to pull on the stocking, it will be difficult to hang on to the stocking.
Wear exam gloves. Wearing exam gloves prevents your hands from being slippery when donning your Compression Garment. (If you do not have exam, fold up a paper towel.) Place a small amount of ALPS Fitting Lotion in your gloved hand (use only an amount the size of a dime). Rub ALPS lightly onto the heel of your foot in order to smoothly slide your Compression Garment over your heel. Remove the gloves and put, place, and position your Compression Garment onto your leg.
Here is the link to the Alps http://www.supporthosestore.com/alfilo.html
The Juzo Silver Soft should be a great garment for your husband. He may just need to add the alps.
I am looking for support stockings, knee-high, with a zipper. Do any of the manufacturers make such a stocking? What do you recommend.
Hi George,
Thank you for asking this question.
Zippers are not always the answer to getting difficult stockings on.
The garments with zippers are made smaller at the ankle to try to recoup the compression that is lost by the addition of the zipper and are oft times harder to put on.
The zippers can and do make sores on the leg at the top and bottom of the zipper.
The zippers themselves have a tendency not to stay up.
Be sure to view “Secrets of the Best Fitters” on our blog, http://askvanda.supporthosestore.com/2008/09/09/96/. Be sure to watch the video. Pictures are worth thousands of words.
Be sure to take a look at the donning aids available:
Donning aids http://www.supporthosestore.com/donningaids.html
Jobst Stocking Donner http://www.supporthosestore.com/jobstocdon.html
Mediven Large Calf Donner http://www.supporthosestore.com/largedonner.html
Mediven Butler Off http://www.supporthosestore.com/medibutleroff.html
Sigvaris Donning Gloves http://www.supporthosestore.com/sidogl.html
If you are still having trouble getting your support hose on, please call one of our certified fitters at 1-800-515-4271.
defeniately bookmarked
Thank-you!
Vanda
hai,i’m from kuala lumpur,malaysia had been using sup[port stocking mediven since year 2001.
now i’m would like to know where i can purchase this support stocking in kuala lumpur,malaysia.
currently i’m using open toe( thigh) & i’ve found it very effective for aching leg & prevention of varicose vein.
my friend is also looking forward to purchase it.please reply back to me the location to purchase this support stocking