The Importance of Recognizing the Warning Signals of Potential Venous Problems

While going about our busy days, many of us – whether more seasoned or younger, may have been experiencing the signs of leg issues.  More often than not we simply choose to ignore the flashes of aches and pains, which could be the precursors of bigger problems down the road if left unattended.

Ignorance may be bliss in some cases but not so if one’s health is at stake.   If your legs are bothering you or playing tricks on you – don’t ignore it – they may be trying to tell you that there is a problem requiring your attention.

It is important to pay close attention to these symptoms.  Medical experience has shown that the symptoms tend to be prominent earlier in the disease stage; then become lesser, then worsen again in the later stages of venous insufficiency.

If you experience symptoms of leg discomfort as described below you may have venous and/or arterial issues that should be explored further by your doctor and/or a vein specialist:

• Aching and fatigue
• Heaviness
• Swelling
• Cramping
• Throbbing
• Restlessness of the legs

These symptoms may occur more or less frequent and with varying intensity.

Depending on your Condition Wearing Compression Stockings can be Tricky or a Treat

If you have venous issues (e.g. venous insufficiency) wearing compression stockings can be a real treat for your legs and vastly improve or even eliminate the discomfort and pain you may be experiencing.  Compression stockings are designed with graduated compression, which means that steadily decreasing pressure is applied from the ankle area of the legs up to the thighs. This graduated pressure effectively improves the blood circulation in the veins back to the heart and relieves aching and heavy legs.  Additionally compression stockings are successfully applied for conditions like leg pain, swelling (edema), spider veins, varicose veins or even deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

On the downside, if you have arterial insufficiency compression stockings will likely make the pain and aching worse.  This is due to the fact that the graduated type of compression is designed to boost the return blood flow in the veins and could potentially further inhibit the already compromised arterial flow of the blood.

It is therefore highly recommended to consult your physician first to determine the exact nature of your symptoms and whether donning compression stockings will benefit your condition.

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