Varicose Veins and Other Vein Disease in the Legs

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"Compression stockings " � are special socks that fit tightly over the ankle and leg. If your doctor or nurse recommends that you wear them, he or she will tell you which type to wear and how to put them on (figure 1 and table 1).

"Compression bandages " � are layers of bandages that wrap around a persons leg.

A "compression pump " � is a device that fits around the leg and squeezes the leg every few minutes.

Special coverings that are put on an open sore to help it heal

Medicines " � Doctors can use different types of medicines to treat different symptoms. For example, people with a skin infection might need antibiotics. People with itchy skin might need a prescription cream or ointment.

Procedures " � Doctors can do procedures if other treatments do not work. A doctor can remove or destroy damaged veins so they can no longer fill with blood.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15729 Version 6.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

picture 1

Telangiectasias (spider veins) on the lower leg

This is a picture of telangiectasias (spider veins), which are small veins that are swollen. These are also called "hyphen webs" or "thread veins. " �

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Telangiectasias (spider veins) on the lower leg

This is a picture of telangiectasias (spider veins), which are small veins that are swollen. These are also called "hyphen webs" or "thread veins. " �

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picture 2

Severe varicose veins

This is a picture of varicose veins, which are swollen and twisted veins in the legs.

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Severe varicose veins

This is a picture of varicose veins, which are swollen and twisted veins in the legs.

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figure 1

Heel-pocket-out method to put on compression stockings

The heel-pocket-out method to put on compression stockings is as follows:

Turn the leg part of the stocking inside-out down to the heel (as shown in A).
Put your foot into the stocking, hold onto the folded edge, and pull the stocking onto your foot and over the heel (as shown in B).
Gently work the stocking up your leg by turning it right-side out (as shown in C).

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Heel-pocket-out method to put on compression stockings

The heel-pocket-out method to put on compression stockings is as follows:

Turn the leg part of the stocking inside-out down to the heel (as shown in A).
Put your foot into the stocking, hold onto the folded edge, and pull the stocking onto your foot and over the heel (as shown in B).
Gently work the stocking up your leg by turning it right-side out (as shown in C).

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table 1Tips for using compression stockingsView Largetable 1Tips for using compression stockings

Here are tips for using compression stockings:

Wash new compression stockings before wearing them to reduce their stiffness and to make them easier to put on.

Put on stockings as early as possible in the morning after you bandage any sores you have because swelling is less in the morning. If you do not put the stockings on early, raise your legs for 20 to 30 minutes before putting the stockings on.

When putting on stockings, sit on a chair with firm back support (not on the bed).

Knee-high stockings can be put on using the "heel-pocket-out method. " � The heel-pocket-out method to put on compression stockings is as follows:

" �1. Turn the leg part of the stocking inside-out down to the heel.

" �2. Put your foot into the stocking, hold onto the folded edge, and pull the stocking onto your foot and over the heel.

" �3. Gently work the stocking up your leg by turning it right-side out.

Some people find it helpful to wear rubber gloves to put their stockings on. This can make it easier to slide the stockings up the legs.

Heavy compression stockings may go on more easily if light silk pantyhose are worn under the compression stockings, or if you first put powder on your legs.

Skin moisturizers and treatments that are used to treat open sores can make the stockings dirty and wear them out. Wash the stockings each day after wearing them if possible. Stockings can be washed in cold water by hand. You can also wash them with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent in a washing machine. Hang the stockings up to dry, and do not dry them in a machine. Buying at least two pairs of stockings at a time will let you wear one pair while the other pair is drying.

If you have an allergy to rubber (latex), you can buy compression stockings without elastic.

If you are not able to pull on your stockings, talk with your doctor or nurse. There are different stockings you can use or devices that can help you put on stockings.

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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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