If you have large legs, finding compression stockings that fit can be a challenge. For people with wide calves, whether its chronic swelling or genetic, rolling and sliding socks is often a problem. There are solutions for both of these issues. To find the absolute BEST fit, you do need to measure your leg - so take a look at our measuring guide as you get started.

Large or Thick Legs

Most manufacturers make wide-calf styles designed for customers with wide or plus size legs.

Therafirm Core-Spun products are our top pick for larger legs! Let me tell you all the ways they're amazing - they're super soft, easy to get on and come in every compression level. They even have fashionable patterns! Core-Spun Knee High Socks are available for men and women. The largest size will accommodate a 17 inch ankle with up to a 25.5 inch calf. Core-Spun Thigh Highs are available in sizes up to XXXL. They will fit an ankle up to 19″ in circumference, and a thigh up to 39.5″. Core-Spun Thigh Highs are designed for men and women, come in three compression levels and two colors: black and white. Sizes XL-XXXL are offered in the 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg compressions only. You can see where you’d fit on the size chart below:

The largest knee high and thigh high available is in the Sigvaris Secure Line. The calf sizing goes up to 74 cm (slightly over 29″) and the max thigh is 102 cm (about 40″). The Secure products are made to manage strong edema – swelling that does not do well in thinner fabrics like sheer or microfiber. While the fabric is incredibly strong, it is still breathable and comfortable to wear. With its precise sizing, you are guaranteed to get a perfect fit in this product. Available in 20-30, 30-40 and 40-50 mmHg.

The Sigvaris Comfort PLUS is another great option – it’s softer and stretchier than the Secure line. It comes in 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg. The X-Large size in this product can fit a calf up to 28″ around and they come in short and long lengths.  

If you're looking for something that's more affordable in price, the Allegro Surgical Weight Knee Highs 20-30mmHg are available in Wide-Calf sizes that fit a calf circumference up to 26 inches and an ankle up to 14.5 inches. The Allegro Sheer Thigh Highs are sized up to XXX-Large to fit a 13.5 inch ankle and 32 inch thigh. A customer who purchased the Surgical Weight Knee highs said, “This product fit perfectly and I have really big calves… not too tight – comfortable. Wore them all day!” The Allegro products are a great, affordable option for most customers.

Mediven has the largest selection for wide calves. Extra-Wide Calf sizes are available in Medi Plus, Medi Comfort,  Mediven for Men, Medi Assure and Mediven Forte, 20-30 mmHg and higher. Medi Extra-Wide Calf varies by size, so be sure to check the size chart for the specific stocking you are interested in.

Juzo has begun carrying a line of Dynamic Max products designed for larger legs. Size V will fit an ankle up to 14 inches, a calf up to 26 inches and a thigh up to 37 inches. The Max line is available in 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg in knee highs and thigh highs.

Jobst Full-Calf sizes are designed to fit a calf circumference of 18-24 inches and an ankle up to 14 inches. These sizes are available in Jobst for Men Casual, Jobst ActiveWear, Jobst Relief, and Jobst UltraSheer in 15-20, 20-30, and 30-40 mmHg. Full-Calf sizes are available in Jobst Opaque 20-30 mmHg and higher.

Cone Shaped Legs

When I first heard this term, I thought, “Well, nearly everyone has a cone-shaped leg – the ankle is always smaller than the thigh.” But, that is not the shape we’re speaking of when it comes to socks and stockings. When you measure your legs, many people will find that their knee circumference is smaller than the widest point of the calf. In a cone-shaped leg, the measurements do not decrease at any point as you move up the leg – the calf and knee are about the same measurement.

If your leg is cone-shaped, compression knee highs have a tendency to roll or slide. A sticky, silicone top-band will typically solve this problem. Knee highs with silicone top-bands are available in 15-20, 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg.

Mediven Vitality offers all day comfort through an advanced design. Made with a lanolin blend, they control sweat while strengthening the integrity of the sock. They have also created a silicone top-band where they use sticky silicone fibers that are woven through the band. This creates a more gentle hold against the skin.

Looking for wide-calf sheers? Try the Allegro Essential Sheers. The collection includes quality fabrics as well as a wide, comfortable top-band. The balloon toe feature also promotes comfort while wearing.

If you still have difficulty keeping the silicone top band in place, using a light adhesive at the band is a great option. It Stays is a water-soluble skin glue that is hypo-allergenic and safe for all compression stockings. It’s available in a 2 oz roll-on bottle. A dab or two of It Stays will keep your knee highs and thigh highs up all day.

If you suffer from compression that falls down or is too tight, use the above links to find relief in compression that fits. Keep in mind each brand and style varies in size, so be sure to refer to the size chart on the product page, before purchasing. If you have a question about compression sizes, or anything compression related, comment below. 

The options for open toe compression socks and stockings are vast. You have the full range of compression levels as well as options of knee high, thigh high and pantyhose so no matter what style you need or prefer, we have you covered. Best of all, you aren’t limited in color choices, the spectrum ranges from a variety of neutral colors to match skin tones to wild colors and tie dye patterns.

Our Allegro line offers affordable options and high quality choices that are all made in the USA. We have had a lot of customers asking for open-toe compression socks in 8-15 mmHg, especially a sheer. We heard you and are pleased to announce that we have added this to the Allegro line up. The Allegro line of open toe stockings has a variety of fabrics, compression levels and styles available, even an open toe/open heel option.

The Jobst open toe compression stocking choices have the caliber of compression you need and sizes to fit any leg, from petite to full calf. A full range of styles are available, but if you are looking for a luxury sheer, the Jobst UltraSheer has been a best-seller for over a decade.

Juzo offers the widest variety of toeless compression socks and stockings. With Juzo, you can find the highest level of compression we offer, 40-50 mmHg as well as all style options. If you want subdued color, they’ve got it as well as fun bright colors and tie dye.

Mediven colors are on the subtle side, but if you are looking for plus size or maternity open toe selections, this is the brand for you. Most Mediven compression stocking styles come in 14 sizes for a near custom fit. Their Sheer & Soft line is unequaled sheerness, a soft feel and features ClimaComfort to keep your legs cool and comfortable.

Rounding out your choices is Sigvaris with luxurious fabrics and natural fibers for a beautiful look. These open toe compression stockings offer the widest range of colors to match a variety of skin tones, from warm sand and toasted almond if you have pink undertones, to mocha for those with brown undertones. You can also find compression up to 40-50 mmHg as well as plus size and wide calf selections.

If you want to be barefoot but still need compression on your legs, RejuvaHealth has some footless compression selections you will want to check out. The leggings from this brand are a popular choice with customers and are also available in a stirrup style. Also available is the sheer compression leggings which are great under skirts and dresses.

When it comes to compression socks and stockings, especially the open toe variety, the choices and selections can be overwhelming. If you have any trouble at all finding the color, style and size you need, our experienced Customer Service team is at your ready. 

Every trip wheter by car, train or plane, needs a pair or two of compression stockings.  Frequent flyer miles are great, but you don’t want to arrive for your dream vacation with sore, swollen legs and feet. The reason your legs and feet get so achy when traveling is that your muscles are not being flexed or used enough, and blood pools in your leg veins. This lack of fresh oxygenated blood can cause soreness and cramping in your legs, and swelling in your ankles and feet. If you’re at higher risk for blood clots, are overweight, or you have notoriously poor circulation, this could lead to more serious problems like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

There are a number of ways to increase circulation when you’re on a long flight. First, and most important is to get up and move! Stand up, shake your legs, and walk the aisles when possible. Unfortunately, that’s not always an option if the seat-belt light is on. The easiest way to increase circulation is by wearing compression socks or stockings, often called “travel socks.”  Travel socks provide graduated compression from your ankles to your knee. This increases circulation naturally, coaxing the blood to flow back to your heart, instead of getting trapped in your legs and feet. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for compression socks to take on your trip:

• Medical-grade compression socks will have a compression rating of 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg, but for traveling, it’s fine to wear socks that have a compression rating of 15-20 mmHg. (This is assuming you don’t suffer from other venous disease.) These ratings simply tell how tightly the compression socks will squeeze your leg (i.e. 15-20 mmHg is a lighter compression than 30-40 mmHg, which will feel much tighter on your legs and be more difficult to put on).
• Find socks that have graduated compression. This means that the compression will be tighter at the ankle, and will gradually become looser as the sock extends up your leg. This will help return blood to your heart.
• Pay attention to the material the socks are knit from. Travelers often prefer natural fibers like cotton, because they’re plush, absorb moisture, and are very comfortable.  Polyester, merino wool, and fabrics embedded with copper and silver are great for absorbing excess moisture on the skin, keeping your feet cool, and decreasing foot odor. No one wants stinky feet on a plane!
• Socks don’t have to be labeled as “Travel Socks” to be used on a long trip. You only need to find socks with a stated compression of 15-20 mmHg, and at least knee high.  If you prefer thigh-highs or tights, they work just as well in the same compression level.
• When you arrive at your destination, don't rush to take off your compression socks. Let your body acclimate to being out of the car or on the ground again before removing your socks. 

If you’re looking for the best quality compression socks at a great price, be sure to check out our full selection of Travel Socks.  If you think of compression socks as thick, flesh-colored tights your grandmother wears, you will be pleasantly surprised with these. No one will know you’re wearing compression!

Allegro Premium – Italian  Cotton Socks are a favorite among flight attendants – so you know they’re good!  Compression socks are great for everyday wear while traveling too.  They provide all day leg comfort while hiking, on city tours, and country walks.

The Medi Assure Knee High is a unisex sock that has 15-20 mmHg of compression. While it isn't available in a wide array of colors (Beige or Black), it does come in a wide variety of sizes. It is also available in an open or closed toe style. Plus they are machine wash and dry for easy care.

If you’re someone who likes to roam the plane in only socks during flight – try The Sockwell Circulator Stripe available in  men's and women's, with 15-20 mmHg compression and your choice of a variety of colors. These socks have a fun striped design you’ll want to show off! The Sockwell brand offers a wide variety of natural fiber blend socks that are a customer favorite.  We stock the full line, and there are colors and patterns available for every taste. 

Don’t travel without compression…. And Bon Voyage!

Our customers are very vocal about what they like and don’t like in their compression socks. We have thousands of reviews on our site for hundreds of products, so we understand that it can take some time to sift through all of them to find the perfect sock. Today, we put together a list of our best rated knee high compression socks for men and women.  Check out the products below and let us know if you have a favorite sock that wasn’t included!

All socks are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating. We’ve selected the most popular socks in different compression levels for three categories: unisex, men’s and women’s compression socks.

Best Unisex Knee High Socks

Therafirm Core-Spun Support Socks 10-15 mmHg

Rating: 4.7 out of 5

“Are you under attack by compression socks that squeeze the life out of you? Try these soft, easy to apply compession socks . Finally a comfy fit, that gives you the support you need.” – Dearborn, MI

Jobst Sport Sock 15-20mmHg

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

“These are extremely comfortable and different than your traditional compression knee high stockings. They are great to wear to work, class, and the gym! I highly recommend these!” LOUISVILLE, KY

Allegro Premium Milk Socks 15-20mmHg

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

“I recently bought 3 different brands of knee high compression socks. I liked 2 brands just fine, but I LOVE MY ALLEGRO PREMIUM MILK SOCKS! They are super soft and stay in place all day without hurting my legs. I highly recommend them to anyone after surgery.”

Allegro Premium Italian Cotton Knee Highs 20-25mmHg

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

“I absolutely love these knee highs. The compression is just perfect, particularly around the ankles and the wide band at the top allows for maximum comfort. They do not bind and I have tried many knee highs but they are all too tight in the binding. These are perfect. I would recommend them and will be ordering more. They are also a nice weight and can be worn for most occasions. They also have retained their shape and compression through many washings.” Las Vegas, NV

Juzo Soft 2001 Compression Knee High 20-30mmHg

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“I love these stockings. They are easy to put on and give me wonderful support. They are firm and yet soft on my legs making them the ideal leg wear. I would recommend them to anyone.” – Atlantic, IA

Best Women’s Knee Highs

Allegro Premium Women’s Dress Sock 8-15 mmHg

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

“I love these support socks! I’ve purchased them in both the white and black. I spend the majority of the day on my feet and they keep your legs from becoming tired and just feel great. Pricing is great and shipping is unbelievably fast” Kannapolis, NC

Medi Sheer & Soft 15-20mmHg

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

“These compression hose keep my ankles from swelling, even though they are low compression. They feel and look great and wear well. Thanks Mediven for great Sheer & Soft knee highs.” Waxhaw, NC

Jobst SoftFit UltraSheer Knee Highs 15-20mmHg

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Love the texture and feel of these hose – also they stay up instead of rolling down like the old knee highs!” Plymouth, MI

Sockwell Women’s Twister Sock 20-30mmHg

Rating: 5 out of 5

“I Love my new Sockwell Twister socks, purchased in 3 colors. They are comfortable, definitely not as hot as my previous support hose, are long enough to go all the way to my knees and don’t fall down. All this and style!” Mora, MN

Best Men’s Knee Highs

Allegro Essential – Mens Ribbed Support Socks 8-15mmHg

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This is my 3rd order of the mild compression knee socks. I really like the feel and durability. Basically I am sold on this product.” Wellsville, KS

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Quality socks that feel great. Fabric is super soft. Easy to get on and off. Right and left design and labelling is nice and seems to improve fit at front of foot. Tall size option can be helpful. These socks are bound to be among market leaders.” Midland, TX

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Love them. The fit is perfect and love the microfiber. Much easier to put on.” San Jose, CA

Rating: 4.7 out of 5

“Amazing! This is the first time my husband has used compression socks. He wears them to work, standing all day long. After the first try, there is immediate pain relief in the legs and feet. He is 6’3 with shoe size 13, XL fits perfectly. He is very happy with the purchase.” Henderson, NV

1. Do not measure late in the day
   Everyday our legs and feet swell. This is normal. For this reason, it is important to measure for compression stockings early in the morning to get the most accurate fit. If you measure later in the day or at night, you may purchase a size that is too big and will not get the maximum benefits of compression. The same applies for armsleeves as lymphedema swelling can increase during the day – measure in the morning!
   
   
2. Do not estimate – be precise!
   Compression socks and sleeves are not a one-size-fits-all product. In fact, a size medium in one brand could be a large in another. Sizes can even vary within brands as well. This is why it is important to check the measurements. You may think you need to “fit” into this sock, but in reality there’s another one that matches your measurements better. If you find yourself between sizes, try another brand or style. You can also try our Size Machine to determine the what size garment you need. If you have any questions about measuring or sizing, you can call our customer service team Monday through Friday from 9-6PM for help. Try to measure in centimeters as much as possible for more precise measurements. This may help you if you are struggling to see where your measurements fall on the size chart.
   
   
3. Do not try to take your measurements yourself
   Lets face it. We’ve all tried to carry in too many groceries at one time and ended up dropping everything. Sometimes, an extra set of hands makes all the difference. When measuring for compression socks or armsleeves, it’s important to have measurements that are as accurate as possible. This is extremely hard to do by yourself. Getting the placement right and bending at odd angles to try and measure your leg or arm doesn’t exactly scream “fun.” If you can, try and get someone to help take your measurements. That way you can be sure that you’re getting the right size without dealing with the hassle of returning socks that don’t fit. Our knowledgeable staff is available for fitting appointments if you would like help determining your size. All you have to do is ask!
   
   
4. Do not guess where the measurements should be taken
   Medical compression sock sizing is based on the leg circumference. Knee high socks require ankle and calf measurements. Always measure the smallest part of your ankle. You do not want to measure over your anklebone. You do want to measure around the largest part of your calf. It is also important to measure from the floor to the bend behind your knee. For thigh highs and pantyhose (waist high), you will also need to measure around your upper thigh, about 3” below the crease of the buttocks. Some pantyhose may also require the length, your height and weight, or hip measurements. If you are measuring for an armsleeve, you need to get three measurements: around your wrist, right below your elbow and around your upper arm (just below your arm pit). Some brands like Mediven or Juzo will have you measure the length of your arm as well. When you are measuring, make sure that your arm is bent slightly. You will want to measure the outside length from your wrist to the upper arm measurement. For gloves and gauntlets, simply measure around your wrist, avoiding the wrist bone, and the palm of your hand above your thumb.
   
   
5. Do Not Choose To Wear The Wrong Size
   Wearing the wrong size can result in more compression being applied than is desired. You shouldn’t wear something that you need to fold down at the top to fit your leg, or something that feels like it’s cutting off your circulation. This can be harmful and complicate existing conditions. Check for special sizing if you have a hard time finding something that’s comfortable. There are petite sizes, plus sizes, socks for wide calves and stockings made for longer legs. There are even compression stockings to wear during pregnancy, socks for diabetes and garments designed for men and women with sensitive skin. If you are really struggling to find a comfortable compression garment, don’t forget that customs are an option! Remember, sizing between brands is not universal. If you find that your measurements aren’t matching any of the size charts, try a different brand. Some collections run longer, some run shorter and others are smaller or larger. You can always give us a call at (+31)262843975 if you can’t find what you’re looking for or have sizing questions.

First things first, comfortable shoes are a must. Forget the cute flats with the pointy toes and ditch the heels for shoes with arch support. Invest in shoes that provide shock absorption and stability to keep your ankles from rolling. Shoes with an open toe box help to alleviate pressure. You can also use shoe inserts for comfort and protection. If you have arthritis in your ankles, start wearing shoes that protect your heel and prevent you from rolling your foot inward.

A lot of the time, injury can be a factor in developing arthritis. When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments are stretched. Depending on how bad the strain is, the ligament fibers can be damaged or even completely torn. Ankle fractures may also contribute to arthritis. To prevent ankle pain and injury, take it easy instead of pushing yourself. If you are injured, make sure to rest, apply ice, keep the limb elevated and wear compression socks to reduce swelling. If you do not experience swelling, apply heat to relieve soreness.

Wear ankle braces or compression socks to reduce ankle swelling, joint stiffness and pain. If you have swollen, weak or injured ankles, try wearing an ankle brace or wrap. Choose from top of the line ankle braces and wraps by manufacturers like Therafirm, Juzo, Mediven, Solidea and more to find the best product for your condition. If your arthritis makes it hard for you to get your compression stockings on, consider trying the Sigvaris Select Comfort line. These socks are designed for easy donning, which is ideal for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Sigvaris Select Comfort includes knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose for men and women in 20-30mmHg and 30-40mmHg compression levels. You can also use the Jobst Stocking Donner to get your socks on without the hassle. This is ideal for those who have a hard time bending at the waist or have a hard time getting the sock on their foot. If you have arthritis in other areas of the body, here are some other awesome products for all types of arthritis. The Therall products are very popular because they use heat to provide soothing relief to painful areas.

Try to walk on flat, even ground instead of gravel or sand to avoid ankle pain or injuries. When you are sitting down, keep your feet flat or use a foot rest. Sitting with your feet pointed behind you or crossing them is bad for your ankles because it puts pressure on them, which can cause stiffness and discomfort. It is important to strengthen your ankles with exercises. Use a resistance band to strengthen your shin and foot muscles, which support your ankles for stability. You can also go for a swim to strengthen your ankle muscles without experiencing as much pain.

Although snoring is a somewhat normal occurrence, your body is trying to tell you something. Most people don’t recognize the symptoms of a sleeping disorder early on to be able to treat it properly. If you often snore loudly when you sleep, it can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that occurs when you stop and start breathing while you rest. This may happen hundreds of times a night and can last for 10-20 seconds each time. This prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, which is why you feel slow or tired the next day, no matter how long you slept the night before.

Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, irregular breathing while sleeping, morning headaches, memory or learning problems, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, being unable to concentrate, and feeling tired or have trouble staying awake during the day. Sleep apnea may also be the reason why you feel depressed, irritable or experience mood swings. It is important to understand the difference between snoring and a sleeping disorder to make sure there isn’t a serious problem going on. Sleep apnea can cause diabetes, heart disease, weight gain and even increase your risk of a stroke if left untreated.

Whether you have a sleeping disorder or if you are just a loud snorer, there are tons of things you can do to get a better night’s sleep. Start by wearing compression socks during the day. Those with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) wear compression socks to reduce the how much fluid builds up in their legs during the day. At night, this fluid moves into the neck area, which can lead to sleep apnea and snoring. If you have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom a lot, wearing compression socks will also help to reduce this. Compression stockings are also great to energize tired, achy legs, reduce swelling, improve blood flow and to wear while traveling or exercising. Choose from tons of everyday and dress styles in knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose options. After a long day of being on your feet, you will love how great your legs feel.

“The Toronto study found that by the end of two weeks, patients with CVI who used compression stockings cut the number of apnea episodes in half while patients who didn’t use the socks showed no change.”

Some quick and easy things you can do to stop snoring is to use a humidifier when you sleep, take a shower or change your sleeping position. Taking a shower helps to open your nasal passages, which eliminates a stuffy nose and helps you breath better. Dry air can lead to snoring, so try using a humidifier to cut down on snoring. One of the best solutions to stop snoring is to change how you sleep.  Start sleeping on your side instead of your back. When you lay on your back it makes it harder to breathe as the airway narrows, which may be the source of your snoring. Use nasal spray before you go to bed to keep your nasal passages open so you can breathe better at night.

A couple of other things you can do for a more long-term solution are to stop smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Another key factor is to keep a clean house because dust often stirs up allergies and can also lead to snoring. Talk to your doctor to find the best sleeping solution for you. Over 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and most aren’t even aware of it. For more information, check out the resources below.

Resources

What Is Sleep Apnea?

American Sleep Apnea Association

lebontadipio – Compression Socks

Click Here If You Are New To Compression

Men’s Health: The No-Snore Sleep Solution

Blog: Sleep Through The Night With Compression Socks

Causes of Excess Urination at Night

The condition that causes you to wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom is called Nocturia. This can be caused by many different things, such as when you drink a lot of fluids (especially caffeine and alcohol) and also by type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This condition occurs when fluids in the lower extremities build up in the tissues due to circulatory problems. When you lay down to go to sleep, the fluid flows a lot easier to the kidneys to be processed. This is why you are more prone to this problem at night. In addition, Medicines such as calcium blockers, water pills and high blood pressure medicine can also cause frequent urination. There are many conditions that result in frequent urination as well as edema in the legs and feet. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Heart Failure
• Kidney Disease
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
• Pregnancy
• Heart Disease
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Diabetes
• Menopause
• Stroke
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Overactive Bladder
• Bladder infections
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Blood Clots

How to Treat and Prevent Edema

Some things you can do to reduce swelling include minimizing the amount of sodium you consume, wearing compression socks to improve circulation and taking a diuretic medication like Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), which helps to remove excess fluid from the body. Wearing compression socks also helps to reduce swelling. Try the Allegro Cotton Support Sock, which provides 20-30mmHg of graduated compression at the ankle to provide relief for minor to moderate swelling. It is extremely soft and comfortable, and is easy to get on and off. This is the perfect casual sock to wear when you’re out and about or at the gym. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes so you can find exactly what you need. Compression socks also keep your legs energized and help to get rid of that tired, achy feeling in your legs at the end of the day. Wear them on long flights or car rides, and especially if you sit or stand for long periods of time. They even help to reduce the discomfort from minor to moderate varicose or spider veins. Compression socks are a safe, healthy and affordable way to reduce and prevent swelling without all of the hassle.

If you are suffering from one of the medical conditions above, it may be more difficult to treat edema, but following these tips will help to significantly reduce swelling. Check out the symptom checker in the additional resources below to see if you may be at risk. Talk with your doctor if you think you may have any of these conditions to see what steps need to be taken to make you more comfortable.

Additional Resources

10 Reasons for Nocturia

Managing Nocturia

Signs of Bladder Problems

Frequent Urination Information

More Frequent Urination Causes

Medications for Edema

Symptom Checker

Edema – What You Should Know

Generally, varicose veins is most common in older people and pregnant women, and usually occur in the legs and thighs. Your family history, age, lifestyle and hormones can all play a factor in developing varicose veins. Obesity can also increase your risk. Additionally, women are more likely to develop this condition than men. Although in most cases this is not a life-threatening condition, it can still cause pain and discomfort, or turn into something more serious.

About Varicose Veins

First things first-what exactly are varicose veins? We’ve all seen them on other people’s legs (if not our own) – teeny, tiny blue spider veins, or bulging, rope-like varicose veins. They’re the first sign that your circulatory system is struggling and needs help. Varicose and spider veins are swollen veins that usually appear on your legs. They can be blue, red or even flesh toned, and sometimes they can be raised above the skin.

Both spider veins and varicose veins look somewhat similar in appearance, but the main difference is that spider veins do not usually cause pain or discomfort. Varicose veins can also be caused by inflammation in your veins and from blood clots.

This condition develops when your blood is not circulating properly. In your veins, there are one-way valves that pump blood to your heart. When these valves become too damaged or weak to stop blood from flowing in the wrong direction, the blood remains in the vein, causing the veins to swell and twist near the surface of the skin.

Symptoms include burning, itching, aching, cramping, tiredness and swelling. They can cause blood clots and skin ulcers as well. If it gets worse, the skin may become inflamed and change color. Veins can appear blue and look like they’re going to pop out of your skin.

So how do they form? If you think back to anatomy class, you’ll remember that the heart pushes oxygenated blood out of the heart through arteries, and then veins bring the blood BACK to the heart for more oxygen. Your legs and feet are below your heart, so your veins must work against gravity to push this blood back up. As we get older, gain weight, and spend more time standing or sitting for long periods of time, our veins have more trouble pushing the blood back to the heart. Blood begins to collect in the veins, which makes them swell and become apparent under the skin. For some people, this is just a cosmetic issue – something you can see on your legs that didn’t use to be there, but for other people these veins can cause throbbing pain and soreness.

Varicose veins can evolve into a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This can cause symptoms to intensify. According to the ACP Vein Center, 30-50% of adults are at risk of developing CVI. Women especially are at risk, with over 50% of the USA population affected by venous insufficiency. If a blood clot forms and blockage occurs, this can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). With all of that being said, you’re ready to hear about some preventative solutions right??

Prevention

To help prevent developing varicose veins, you want to improve circulation in the body. To do so, you want to focus on your calves. They pump blood from your legs back up to your heart, so you want to strengthen these muscles as much as possible. One easy way to improve circulation is by wearing compression socks. The graduated compression helps to reduce swelling and muscle fatigue to keep your legs energized and ache-free all day. You can find thigh highs, pantyhose and knee highs that all fight varicose veins in a variety of colors, fabrics, styles and compression levels. Not sure what level of compression you should use? Check out our Buyers Guide for more information.

Generally, 15-20 mmHg is a good compression level for both the occasional and everyday wearer. Compression garments do more than improve circulation. They are great to wear traveling, to work, or when you are sitting or standing for long periods of time. Compression socks can also help athletes enhance performance, speed up recovery time and help to prevent injuries such as shin splints. It’s amazing how good your legs feel when you wear compression pantyhose or socks all day.

Listed below are some compression stockings that help with varicose veins. There are knee high, thigh high and pantyhose styles available by many different brands. Prices can vary anywhere from $12 to $60 or more depending on what compression level you need, the type of fabric and style you prefer. Sockwell has great products if you’re looking for something with style. Try our house brand, Allegro, if you are looking for a more affordable solution. Juzo compression stockings are perfect if you want something that is really comfortable. Wear Sigvaris or Jobst if you appreciate luxurious fabrics and a stylish look. Mediven offers a variety of products in many different styles, fabrics and compression levels for a great price.

For minor varicose veins, try a compression garment that provides 15-20mmHg of gradient compression. This level is perfect for traveling and relieves minor swelling, spider veins and helps to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Use a compression garment that provides firm 20-30mmHg of gradient compression for moderate varicose veins. Wear this compression level to treat mild to moderate swelling, DVT and post-schlerotherapy.

Juzo Basic Ribbed Sock 20-30mmHg

Jobst Opaque Thigh Highs 20-30mmHg

Allegro Sheer Support Pantyhose 20-30mmHg

Wear compression stockings that provide 30-40mmHg of gradient compression under a doctor’s super vision. This compression level is best to wear during healing after surgical or sclerotherapy procedures to reduce swelling and chronic venous insufficiency.

Jobst Relief Knee Highs 30-40mmHg

Medi Assure Thigh High 30-40mmHg

Allegro Surgical Pantyhose 30-40mmHg

When you sit or stand for long periods of time, wearing compression socks improve blood flow. When you are sitting down, it’s harder for your veins to get the blood back up to your heart. Compression socks squeeze the leg to reduce how much pressure and blood is in your veins and helps to regulate and maintain a healthy blood flow. By improving circulation, recovery time for tired, achy legs decreases. It is also important to keep your legs flat on the floor instead of crossing them when you sit. Making sure you get up and walk around every half hour to an hour when you are sitting for a long time can also help.

Walking is a great exercise to keep your legs happy and healthy. You want to find activities that stretch the muscle and also strengthen it without going overboard. This is why running and lifting weights can cause so much damage to your body. Lifting weights and doing activities like Pilates and Yoga can strain your abdomen which results in less blood being able to reach the heart. Light, moderate exercise can help prevent varicose veins from getting worse. It is important to keep your body health and in the best shape possible. Losing weight and wearing loose clothing can also help prevent varicose veins from worsening.

Another great way to help keep your legs healthy is to elevate them. Even keeping a footstool under your desk can help. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. Too much weight on your legs can also cause circulatory problems.

Treatment

There are a couple of procedures to treat varicose veins. One option is to undergo sclerotherapy, which is where a solution is injected into your veins, which prevents blood from filling them. The veins are eventually absorbed by the body and fade as time passes. However, this isn’t for everyone. Pregnant women cannot use this treatment. People who have a history of blood clots may not be eligible either. Other treatments include vein stripping, where an incision is made to remove the vein, and may result in scarring, or a similar operation called ambulatory phlebectomy that results in minimal scarring. It is really important to wear compression socks after this procedure to reduce the pain. Another option is laser treatment. In this procedure, a tiny fiber is put in the vein that sends out laser energy to kill the part of the vein that is diseased. Read more about treatments at the Society for Vascular Surgery website.