By Elaine Tan
Health Practitioner
Quality Care Group of Companies
Alberta Medical Supplies
Have you noticed any enlarged veins on your legs and feet? Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that are usually purple or blue and may bulge and look twisted. The veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing toward your heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool in your veins. These symptoms occur when the valves in your veins become damaged, and it becomes difficult for the blood to move up your legs toward your heart against gravity. The blood then starts pooling around your ankles and in your calves, thus the swelling of the veins occurs. Although they can form anywhere in the body, they are most often located in the legs. Aside from just being a cosmetic concern, varicose veins may lead to more serious circulatory problems.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition that can lead to more serious issues, including varicose veins, Deep Vein Thrombosis and Lymphedema. If you have chronic venous insufficiency, you typically experience swollen ankles and the feeling of heavy legs at the end of the day.
A person with varicose veins may also experience aching legs, muscle cramps, swollen feet and ankles.
Varicose veins tend to be inherited, and become more prominent as a person ages. This is very common for individuals whose jobs involve prolonged standing. Other predisposing factors include obesity, hormonal influences during pregnancy, puberty and menopause Those with a history of blood clots can also be affected.
Treatment may involve self-care measures or procedures by your doctor to close or remove veins. Exercising, losing weight, elevating your legs when resting, and not crossing them when sitting can help keep varicose veins from getting worse. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding long periods of standing can also help. If varicose veins are painful or you don’t like the way they look, your doctor may recommend the use of compression stockings.
The most conservative approach is to wear custom-fitted compression stockings (or socks) which are a special kind of elastic hosiery that supports healthy blood circulation and helps prevent a variety of health conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency, spider veins and varicose veins. The pressure that these stockings put on your ankles and legs compresses the surface arteries and veins, helping the vein valves function properly and blood to flow back to your heart without obstructions.
Compression stockings can provide many benefits, especially in situations that aggravate venous conditions such as prolonged standing or sitting, traveling on a long flight or on other means of transportation with limited leg room and even during pregnancy.
Alberta Medical Supplies offers a complete line of Compression Socks. Our highly qualified technicians are trained and certified to get your measurements. Our team is looking forward to assisting you and answering all your inquiries. Please visit our store at 6570-28 Ave. NW Edmonton, AB T6L 6N3 or call us at 780-761-1216.
