Who needs graduated compression hosiery, support stockings, and support socks?
• People that spend a lot of time sitting or standing • People that already have varicose veins (mild or severe) • People with aching feet and legs and/or swollen ankles • People with family history of varicose veins and/or any kind of leg disorders • People with poor blood circulation • People who have had vein procedure or surgery including Sclerotherapy and Vein Stripping • People that are overweight/obese • Travelers that spend many hours in an airplane, train, or car • Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth- studies show that about 80% of all women develop varicose veins, with the risk skyrocketing during pregnancy **read more below about pregnancy and varicose veins • Women taking oral contraceptives • People that are bedridden or need wheelchairs • Smokers • People who have cellulite
Pregnancy and Varicose Spider Veins Varicose Veins and maternity go hand in hand. Poor circulation can also lead to cellulite and stretch marks. Women who are pregnant are at a significantly higher risk for developing varicose and spider veins. Weakened veins don’t pump blood back to the heart adequately, which causes the blood to flow backwards within the veins of the leg, creating pressure and causing the veins in the leg to become swollen and distended. Varicose and spider veins can develop as a result. It is important to take care of yourself during this special time, but the best of diets, adequate rest, and exercise cannot prevent you from developing this very common problem among pregnant women. Your body’s natural changes during pregnancy causes an increased risk for varicose and spider veins to develop as veins are weakened due to the following:
• Increased overall blood supply in the body due to womb puts excess pressure on the veins, which in turn can weaken veins • Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause vein walls to relax and stretch out • Weight increases during pregnancy places excess pressure on the veins of the legs
In addition to maternity induced spider veins and varicose veins, you will most likely have tired, achy and swollen legs and feet. Compression hosiery can provide IMMEDIATE RELIEF. Why? If blood isn’t pumped efficiently from the feet back to the heart, blood will pool and collect in the ankle area causing excess pressure on the veins. This pressure will cause legs to ache and the ankles to swell.