Houston Varicose Vein Doctor: Compression Therapy

If you are a runner or an athlete, chances are you have seen articles and ads for compression socks, claiming that they will improve your performance. This has caused some confusion among patients being treated for vein disease using compression stockings, so in this article we'll explain the differences.

Do compression socks really work to increase athletic performance?

So far, most evidence supporting the claims that compression socks aid runners by "increasing oxygen delivery, decreasing lactic acid, preventing cramps, and minimizing muscle fatigue" seem anecdotal, and without basis. Only two studies out of over 15 indicate that compression socks actually improve performance. However, as sports physiology doctors point out, even if the benefits attributed to these garments are caused entirely by the placebo effect and expectation, on that level they may actually work. That is, even if the socks don't do anything at all, if you believe they do your performance may improve.

Medical-grade compression stockings, however, have a proven value

Compression therapy has been used by doctors since the early 1950s, when the first gradient compression stockings were pioneered. Gradient compression refers to the fact that these medical-grade stockings apply the tightest amount of pressure at the ankle, and that amount of squeezing or pressure decreases further up the leg. (This is different than uniform-compression anti-embolism stockings used to prevent blood clots in patients who are bed-ridden.)

Gradient compression increases pressure in subcutaneous (under the skin) tissue, helping to reduce and prevent swelling. It also helps to move excess fluids back into the capillaries and prevents fluid from leaking from them. At the same time, for patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI, also called venous reflux), gradient compression reduces the likelihood that superficial veins in the leg can expand, fill with blood, and become varicose. The compression prevents congestion caused by reflux venous flow, and this can help to reduce the pain and discomfort of existing varicose veins and prevent new ones from forming.

How do I find out if compression stockings can help me?

Your first step should be to make an appointment with a reputable Houston vein clinic and arrange for a venous health screening. These screenings are fast, painless, and non-invasive, but they allow a Houston varicose vein doctor like Dr. Rau to assess the current state of your vein health and determine whether you show signs of CVI or other vein diseases. If so, conservative treatment using medical-grade compression stockings may help to relieve symptoms and discomfort. If you already have varicose veins, Dr. Rau will explain the most appropriate varicose vein treatment options in Houston to you and help you choose the form of treatment that is best for you. But it all starts with a phone call to 281-888-1464 to set up an initial consultation. Call today. Your legs will be happy you did.

Author Bio: A Houston varicose vein doctor explains compression therapy, and the differences between compression stockings and compression socks.

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