Varicose Veins - More Than Just A Cosmetic Problem

Compression Stockings Can Prevent Post Thrombotic Syndrome 

Diagnosing Varicose Veins and Other Venous Disorders 

Benefits of Wearing Medical Compression Stockings

In addition to being ugly in appearance, varicose veins may have a serious impact on the general public’s quality of life. This is generally because vein disease affects the younger working population. Approximately one third of the population between the ages of 18 – 64 suffers from varicose veins that may be caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).  This medical disease may cause chronic pain in the legs and inhibit patients from standing for long periods of time. Other symptoms including fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, cramping, itching, and restlessness of the legs may preclude patients from performing their daily jobs. Patients suffering with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) often must rest to alleviate the symptoms.

Failure to recognize varicose veins as a medical disease by the patient as well as many family doctors may often lead to failure to treart properly. Without proper treatment of varicose veins, the disease may advance to end stage CVI. End stage CVI may include venous stasis dermatitis, chronic brawny leg edema, phlebitis, hemorrhage, or ulceration. The manifestation of these end stage conditions will require further advanced treatment and rehabilitation for the patient. Therefore, it is critical that patients with varicose veins be examined and evaluated by a qualified phlebologist.

New endovenous technologies have revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. Patients no longer require a surgical procedure with general anesthesia, scarring, and prolonged rehabilitation to treat this disease. Endovenous procedures may be performed in the physician’s office by a qualified phlebologist. The entire procedure requires only a needle puncture without general anesthesia and leaves no scarring. The patient may return to normal activity immediately following the procedure.

Source: Vein Theraphy News

The use of compression stockings by patients after treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been found to prevent post thrombotic syndrome (PTS).  Recent studies published in medical journals and professional web sites such as the “Annals of Internal Medicine”, “American Family Physician”, “American College of Physicians, and the “American College of Phlebology” have shown that compression stockings prevent post thrombotic syndrome in 50% of patients.

Post thrombotic syndrome is a long term complication of DVT that is experienced by 1 out of 3 patients. The symptoms include pain, swelling, cramping, numbness, tingling, and itching of the affected leg. The skin on the lower part of the leg may harden and darken. PTS symptoms may last for years. PTS may affect 50% of patients with DVT after 2 years.

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy recommends the use of compression stockings after the onset of a DVT. They recommend that patients wear the compression stockings for two years after initial onset of DVT. Below knee compression stockings with a compression level of 30-40 mmHg should be routinely prescribed to all patients in this group. With more patients with DVT is being treated on an outpatient basis by emergency department physicians, it is imperative that patients are prescribed knee high compression stockings upon discharge. Compression stockings are not contraindicated in combination of anticoagulant medication.

The positive clinical outcomes of wearing compression stockings are dependent on patient compliance. This is true for all medical indications of stocking use. A recent study on patient compliance by C.L. Morgan, et al concluded that patients with detailed instructions and education about compression therapy become more compliant with the prescribed treatment. It is important for the prescribing physician to educate the patient on where to find this detailed information or present it them personally. Many websites can adequately supply the patient with all the detailed information and education needed for upmost compliance.

Compression stockings are widely available today. They come in many colors and styles for everyday use. One of the best places to buy compression stockings is from the premium online retailers. There you can find a variety of styles of colors of stockings at a reduced price.  Shipping is fast and affordable and the prices are usually less than the pharmacies or health care stores. At www.thelaserveincenter.com patients can also find useful information about compression stocking information such as how to measure their leg for stocking size, how to don stockings, how to care for stockings, and much more.

For more information on the various scientific studies that confirm that the use of compression stockings can reduce post thrombotic syndrome in patients who experience DVT visit www.thelaserveincenter.com or the American College of Phlebology at www.phelbology.org or consult a local phlebologist.   Summary:

Recent studies have confirmed that the use of compression stockings at the onset of DVT may prevent post thrombotic syndrome. Results are dependent on patient compliance. Patient education and training will increase patient compliance.

 Diagnosing Varicose Veins and Other Venous Disorders

The diagnosis of venous disorders including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency requires an examination and tests performed by a qualified physician who specializes in venous diseases. These physicians are called Phlebologists. Patients should inquire about the physician’s qualifications as a Phlebologist.  A Phlebologist is a specialist with the most modern tools, techniques, and knowledge of the diagnosis the etiology of venous disorders. Diagnosis usually begins with an office visit where the physician or his/her staff will gather some initial information from the patient. A consultation with the physician will follow. The physician will gather more detailed medical pertainate information from the patient. This information may include a detailed history of the patient’s medical conditions and symptoms the patient is experiencing. Next a through physical exam of the legs is performed to evaluate the extent of the venous disease.  The physician may also examine the abdominal, pelvic, and perineum area as well. Varicosities in these areas may indicate venous disorders of deep system and intra-abdominal veins or liver disease.

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