Varicose Veins Physiotherapy and Compressions Stockings

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that can happen anywhere in the body but most commonly appear in the lower half more specifically the quads and calves.  While not a life-threatening condition they can be mildly uncomfortable and if left untreated can and most likely lead to further serious problems.  In some cases, it is possible that an individual with varicose veins may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed due to it being noticeably visible.

Varicose Veins or Spider Veins?

Spider veins are a milder type of varicose veins and often look like a spiders’ web and are blue or red in colour and can commonly be seen in the face or just under the skin.

Causes of Varicose Veins

The cause of Varicose veins is due to increased blood pressure in the superficial veins.  Blood moves towards the heart by one-way valves in the veins when these veins become weakened or damaged blood can begin collecting in the veins causing the veins to dilate or become enlarged.  Some common causes of these veins are age (45-year-old), gender (female more common), sitting and standing for prolonged periods which can cause the blood to pool in the leg veins thus increasing the pressure being visible under the skin. With this enlargement and increased pressure, it can weaken the walls and cause valvular damage if left untreated.

Common complaints from individuals with this medical condition often report aching in the calves, heaviness in the lower legs, highly susceptible to fatigue and foot cramps while sleeping.

Risk Factors of Varicose Veins

• Overweight or obesity
• Older age
• Female (45 yrs +)
• Leg injury
• Pregnancy
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Hormone replacement or oral contraceptives

Treatment for Varicose Veins

If seen by a physiotherapist there are a few different treatments they will prescribe you so that the varicose veins can be managed and mitigated.

• Leg Elevation: Lifting the legs above the heart 3-4 times a day for 15 mins, if regularly sitting or standing for long periods of the day you will be instructed to flex the legs occasionally so that the blood can keep circulating. The leg elevation therapy will help reduce leg swelling and reduce some of the pain in the calves.
• Compression Stockings: Elastic stockings squeeze the veins and prevent blood from pooling in the lower legs and are very effective if worn everyday. For further details about compression stockings see the physiotherapist for measurements, colour, insurance coverage and price.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Varicose Veins

Physiotherapy mainly helps with improving blood circulation in the legs and thighs also if surgery was done it is recommended to seek a physiotherapist because they can help heal the damaged veins without the use of drugs.  Manual manipulation therapies that physiotherapists specialize in can relieve stress and pain and reduce swelling and discomfort after sitting or standing for long periods of time.

• Management in Clinic and At-Home
  • Jogging, Running and Walking
  • Riding a bicycle (can also be stationary)
  • Leg Lifts
  • Lunges
  • Rocking feet (wobble board)
  • IFC or Muscle stim therapies to increase blood flow

Why Compression Stockings

High compression stockings are more effective than medium or low compression and can reduce the pain and swelling felt with varicose veins.  There is no danger in wearing compression stockings however it is very important that you seek your physiotherapist for the proper measurements it is also important to speak to your doctor to determine if there are any other co morbidities you are living with because then it can be dangerous.

• Benefits
  • Improved blood circulation
  • Prevent blood pooling
  • Reduce leg swelling
  • Prevent ulcers
  • Prevent blood clots
  • Reduce Pain
  • Reduce varicose veins
  • Improve lymph drainage

For more details talk to the physiotherapist about insurance coverage, sizing, medical history, pricing, color and measurements.  The physiotherapist will provide further education upon making a brief appointment on how and what times of day to wear the compression stockings and for how long.

If you or someone you know who is suffering from Varicose Veins Call Curezone Physiotherapy Mississauga today!! We have a Physiotherapy Clinic near Heartland town centre and is situated in the central Mississauga to serve you all.

Sheena John

Registered Physiotherapist