Compression therapy is a conservative treatment for varicose veins. At Cardiac Center of Texas in McKinney, Texas, board-certified physicians Muhammad Khan, MD, and Ambreen Ashfaque, MD, may recommend compression therapy before considering more invasive treatments that close off dysfunctional veins. Call the North Texas practice or schedule online to have your varicose veins evaluated and treated with compression therapy or other modalities.
request an appointmentWhat are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are the ropey, puffy, discolored veins that can form on your legs due to venous insufficiency. Your veins feature one-way valves that pump blood upward so it can return to the heart. When these valves fail, blood pools in the veins, causing varicosity.
Varicose veins can be a cosmetic concern, but they can also cause pain and fatigue in your legs. Your legs may feel heavy and swollen. Some people even experience ulcers or wounds, as a result of the varicose veins that are difficult to heal.
What is compression therapy?
Compression therapy uses medical-grade hosiery, tights, footwear, or bandages to provide external force to faulty veins. The garments are made from an elastic material that allows for graduated constriction. The compression provides an external force that helps keep blood moving upward, preventing the pooling of blood in the leg veins and causing varicosity.
Compression therapy is simple – it provides flexible support around the leg veins – but is quite effective.
Why does compression therapy work?
Compression therapy strengthens the pressure around your legs. The compression supports the veins in working better – they slowly stretch out the vein walls and improve overall circulation. Compression therapy reduces venous stress, stops venous stasis, and discourages the destruction of venous surfaces.
As a result of compression therapy, your legs feel lighter and pain is reduced.
Who is a candidate for compression therapy?
The doctors at Cardiac Center of Texas recommend compression therapy to people with:
- Varicose veins
- Thrombosis (blood clots)
- Aftercare needs following vein treatments
Compression therapy helps people reduce all symptoms of venous illness, including heavy feet, edema, leg sores, and spider veins.
Compression therapy may be a stand-alone treatment or used in conjunction with other prescribed treatments to restore comfort in your legs. Compression therapy is perfectly safe and has no side effects when used under the guidance of the expert vascular specialists’ care.
If you have varicose veins causing pain, fatigue, and swelling in your legs, consult the experts at Cardiac Center of Texas to learn about compression therapy and other effective treatments. Call for an appointment or book online today.