I am experiencing extreme pain in both calf muscles and have egg size swelling on each outer leg. My GP has recently told me to just go to the drug store and buy support hose because I have symptoms of varicose veins. What are my options?
Usually vein problems do not cause pain let alone extreme pain unless they are clotted or inflamed. Before simply wearing compression stockings, I would recommend a full evaluation to find the source or your problem.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
We would definitely prefer to see anyone experiencing extreme pain before advising to simply try compression stockings. While medical-grade compression stockings do help, they should not be considered a solution or method of treatment for pain. Please consider a vein evaluation with an experienced vein specialist in your area.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Extreme pain is always a concern. Venous insufficiency usually does not cause extreme pain, especially in a symmetric fashion in your calves. This combined with swelling on both sides of your outer leg is also a concern. When the pain is better or worse, how long you have had it, are there associated skin changes. Either way, given the limited information you provided I would recommend a more complete evaluation which would include an Ultrasound before you go out and by support hose.
After an evaluation was completed and no other problems were found support stocking could be tried and may give some relief but they will not treat the underlying cause.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
For most of the patients compression stockings help. The problem is to have enough compression and to choose the right size. It is better to use prescription compression stockings. The biggest drawback is the lack of compliance. Many patients find them difficult to put on and it is difficult to use them in summer time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It depends upon what is the cause of your problem. If your problem is just isolated to the bulging veins that you see then your treatment options are support hose, sclerotherapy or phlebectomy (surgical vein removal).
However, if you suffer from superficial venous insufficiency related to insufficiency ("leaky valves") in your greater or lesser saphenous system then you will need treatment of the source of the problem with chronic support hose, endovenous ablation (EVLT, CLOSURE OR CLOSE-FAST ), Sclerotherapy or surgical stripping.
This requires evaluation with a venous duplex examination.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Graded compression stockings help reduce the pressure in your legs, and so will help reduce the symptoms of venous disease. They will not cure the venous disease will reduce the symptoms if worn regularly. Your
first step should be to get a reflux exam by ultrasound. This will help determine if it is your veins that are causing the swelling. If it is your veins, there are many new minimally invasive procedures to cure
the chronic swelling.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stocking may help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins however they will not cure it. I would recommend seeing a vein specialist and getting an ultrasound to see if you have venous insufficiency. Today's endovenous treatments are very easy on patients usually eliminate the pain and swelling of varicose veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012