Compression Therapy: What It Is And How To Use It
By Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen
ein disease (also known as venous disease) is a condi- tion that can include varicose veins, spider veins, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—and it is one of the most com- mon health problems in the U.S., affecting approximately 50% of the population. Today there are several outpatient, minimally invasive treat-
V
ments for vein issues: one alternative is compression therapy. Compression stockings can prevent vein problems from occur- ring, relieve venous symptoms (such as leg swelling, fatigue or achiness), and decrease the likelihood of a blood clot. To better understand venous disease and how compression
works, here’s a quick review of how veins work. Veins carry blood from all the extremities back to the heart. The blood in the legs travels up against gravity, so when the valves in the veins become damaged, blood flows back into the legs to create a “pooling” effect. When blood cannot be properly returned through the veins, it can lead to a feeling of heaviness and fa- tigue and cause varicose veins, among other problems.
What is Graduated Compression? Graduated, or gradient, compression stockings provide a
gradient of pressure against the leg. The pressure is highest at the foot and ankle and gradually decreases as the garment rises up the leg. This pressure gradient makes it easier for the body to pump blood up towards the heart (the normal direction) and more difficult for gravity to pull blood downward. Graduated compression is expressed in millimeters of mer-
cury, or mmHg. It is the measurement of how much compres- sion or squeeze that is placed on the leg: the higher the number, the greater the compression. Stockings are graded on the basis of the strength of the com-
18 Essential Living Maine ~ November/December 2014
pression at the ankle. For example, a doctor might prescribe 15- 20 mmHg for patients with spider veins or those with varicose veins but only mild symptoms, but 20-30 mmHg for patients with varicose veins who have acute pain and swelling. “TED hose” are not the same as graduated compression
stockings. T.E.D.—an acronym for Thrombo Embolic Deterrent— hose are “anti-embolic” stockings and are often worn after sur- gery to help prevent Deep Vein Thombosis (a blood clot in the deep vein system) while patients are bed bound. They work well for this purpose, but for patients who are up and walking; gener- ally, TED hose will not stop the progression of venous disease.
The Benefits of Compression While wearing compression, patients frequently report that
their vein symptoms are significantly improved, if not complete- ly alleviated. Ample data proves that compression can reduce the recurrence of varicose veins and venous ulcers. Compression therapy also provides an alternative for pa-
tients who opt for a more conservative treatment. Stockings can be worn for years as a long-term option for managing symptoms of venous disease. Compression stockings require a prescription and can be
purchased at many pharmacies, most major medical supply stores, and specialty stores. Your doctor can tell you if you need knee-highs, thigh-highs, or a “pantyhose” style. These days, compression stockings are fashionable, comfortable, and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. There is a stocking for everyone, but it takes time to find one that fits a patient, and his or her lifestyle, well.
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