Varicose veins
- 30-40% of the population suffer major vein varicosities2
- 50% of all leg ulcers are the result of poorly treated varicose veins1
Prevention of varicose veins
Varicose veins are one of the common consequences of venous insufficiency. Blood pooling in the superficial veins causes distension and the well known tortuous vessels just below the surface of the skin. Not only are varicose veins unsightly and uncomfortable for the patient concerned but also, if left untreated, they can develop into venous ulcers.1
Potential risk factors
The following are potential risk factors for varicose veins1:
- Pregnancy
- Family history (parents or grandparents)
- Occupation (those who stand for long periods of time)
- Injury (often from sports such as rugby or soccer)
Compression hosiery during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a particularly common cause of varicose veins.1 Prescriptions for compression hosiery for the prevention of varicose veins are free for women during pregnancy3
To find out more about prescribing compression hosiery for various conditions, click here.
Preventing progression of varicose veins
Relieving symptoms
It is well known that compression hosiery may offer patients with varicose veins immediate symptomatic relief2, particularly from:
- Swelling
- Aching
- Itching
- Varicose eczema
Preventing deterioration
When compression hosiery is warn for varicose veins the upwardly squeezing effect of graduation also assists in minimising any engorgement of the superficial veins of the legs.4 This helps to prevent further stretching of the vein walls and further deterioration.
Where varicose veins are left untreated or are badly managed, they can deteriorate into venous ulcers.1 For more information about using compression hosiery to prevent the occurrence and recurrence of venous ulcers, click here.
- Tristram S. The use of compression hosiery in venous disease. Prescriber 1993; May 5: 59-66
- London NJM, Nash R. ABC of arterial and venous disease: Varicose veins. Brit Med J 2000; 320: 1391-94
- NHS Choices website www.NHS.uk/nhsengland/healthcosts/pages/prescriptioncosts.aspx accessed June 2010
- Johnson S. Compression hosiery in the prevention and treatment of venous leg ulcers. J Tissue Viability 2002; 12(2): 67-74