Varicose veins are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. They develop when vein valves weaken and allow blood to pool, causing swollen, twisted, and sometimes painful veins. While modern medical treatments such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) target the underlying cause, compression stockings play an essential supportive role both before and after treatment. Understanding how they work can help you make informed decisions about managing and treating varicose veins.
What Are Compression Stockings and How Do They Help Varicose Veins?
Compression stockings are specially designed medical garments that apply controlled, graduated pressure to your legs. The pressure is highest at the ankle and gradually decreases toward the thigh. This design encourages healthy blood flow back toward the heart and reduces the symptoms associated with venous disease.
Key Benefits of Compression Stockings:
1. Reduce swelling (edema):
By supporting circulation, compression stockings help prevent fluid buildup in the legs, which reduces swelling and discomfort.
2. Ease common varicose vein symptoms:
Patients often report less heaviness, aching, throbbing, and fatigue when wearing properly fitted stockings.
3. Slow progression of venous disease:
While they do not cure varicose veins, compression stockings may help prevent symptoms from worsening, particularly for individuals who stand or sit for long periods.
4. Promote healing after treatment:
After procedures like EVLA, compression stockings help reduce bruising and inflammation while supporting efficient healing.
Compression Stockings Are Supportive — Not Curative
It’s important to remember that compression stockings cannot close or remove damaged veins. They are excellent for symptom relief, but they do not treat the root cause of varicose veins. If symptoms continue or if the condition is more advanced, a minimally invasive treatment may be necessary.
That’s where endovenous laser ablation becomes an important option.
Why Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) Is an Effective Treatment for Varicose Veins
Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive, highly successful procedure used to treat varicose veins at their source. Instead of surgically removing the vein, EVLA uses targeted laser energy to heat and seal the affected vein from the inside. Once the vein is closed, blood naturally reroutes to nearby healthy veins.
Advantages of EVLA:
- Minimally invasive approach with no large incisions or stitches
- High success rate and long-lasting improvement in symptoms
- Quick recovery, with many patients returning to normal activities the same day
- Effective symptom relief, including reduced heaviness, swelling, and leg fatigue
After EVLA treatment, we recommend wearing compression stockings for a few days to minimize tenderness and support optimal healing. When paired with EVLA, compression therapy contributes to excellent long-term results.
Is It Time to Treat Your Varicose Veins?
If you experience leg heaviness, swelling, visible bulging veins, or discomfort, compression stockings can provide helpful relief — but they may not be enough on their own. A consultation with a qualified vein specialist can determine whether supportive treatment is appropriate or if a procedure like endovenous laser ablation would offer more permanent results.
For more information contact us directly on 09 4445858 or email info@theveincentre.co.nz