Leg problems are widespread throughout the world, but what most people don't know is that approximately 90 percent of leg disorders originate within the veins. If you have tired, aching, swollen legs, or if you see the beginning of varicose veins, Dr. Stafford can help you learn how to improve the health of your venous circulation. Vein problems can progressively worsen over time and can affect your health for the rest of your life. A good starting point to conservatively manage vein symptoms is to wear compression stockings.

Danger signals:

• Heavy, hot or tired legs

• A feeling of tension, cramps, fatigue or stabbing in calves

• Swollen ankles

• First signs of small varicose veins

Benefits of compression:

Compression stockings and socks provide external support to the vein walls and work in conjunction with the calf muscle pump. They help minimize and control leg and ankle swelling and should be worn during the day while you are active.

Why compression works:

Compression therapy is the application of external pressure to the limb to reduce venous pressure within the limb. This means wearing socks or stockings that are specially designed to support your veins and increase circulation. To be most effective, the socks or stockings should be put on at the start of your day and removed before you go to bed.

The heart attempts to pump blood against gravity up the veins of the legs. As a person walks, the regular contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles around the veins are necessary to help move blood toward the heart.

Some people have an inherited weakness of the vein walls or valves which create additional challenges to venous circulation. Wearing compression socks or stockings is vital for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins and other circulatory problems, especially for individuals who are at risk.

Vein Clinics Northwest can help:

Effective methods for the treatment of venous disorders are readily available. Dr. Stafford can provide a diagnosis to correctly assess the course and severity of your condition.