What compression knitwear can and cannot do for varicose veins

Medical compression knitwear is used as one of the methods of compression therapy for varicose veins and other chronic venous diseases. It creates controlled pressure on the limb and can be used to reduce venous symptoms and swelling, but it does not eliminate the altered vein itself and does not replace diagnosis and other treatment methods when indicated. The wearing regimen, type of product, and class of compression depend on the clinical situation and are determined by the attending physician.

What happens to the veins in varicose veins

To understand the possibilities of compression knitwear in varicose veins, it is important to separate two things: the manifestations of the disease and the changes that have already occurred in the venous system.

In varicose disease, the normal functioning of the superficial veins is disrupted. If the venous valves cease to perform their function properly, some blood moves in the opposite direction, venous reflux occurs, and pressure in the veins increases. This can manifest in various ways: visible enlarged veins, heaviness and discomfort in the legs, swelling, and other symptoms. To clarify the condition of the veins, the doctor may use ultrasound examination. Russian clinical guidelines "Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities", approved by the Ministry of Health of Russia and endorsed in 2024, consider compression treatment as an important part of the conservative management of patients. From this, the main point follows: compression primarily affects the conditions of venous blood circulation and the manifestations associated with the disease, rather than restoring already formed anatomical changes.

What medical compression knitwear can do

The medical product creates a specified external pressure. Medical compression knitwear is characterized by graduated compression: the pressure is not distributed evenly along the limb but varies according to the design of the product. The clinical guidelines "Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities" indicate among the goals of compression therapy the reduction or elimination of subjective symptoms of chronic venous diseases, as well as the prevention of development and reduction of swelling severity.

  •  Help reduce venous symptoms

With properly selected and prescribed compression, some patients may experience a reduction in complaints related to chronic venous disease.

  •  Help control venous swelling

Another important task of compression is to affect lower limb swelling associated with chronic venous disease. That is why evaluating the result of wearing only by how noticeable the veins have become is incorrect. For the doctor, not only external changes are important but also the dynamics of symptoms, swelling, and the condition of the venous system as a whole.

  •  Used as part of a comprehensive treatment

Compression therapy can be used independently in certain clinical situations or complement other treatment methods. The clinical guidelines "Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities" explicitly state that elastic compression can be used independently or in addition to invasive interventions. However, the choice of tactics depends on the specific patient and the results of the examination.

What compression knitwear cannot do for varicose veins

Here it is especially important not to overestimate the capabilities of medical compression products. -- Compression knitwear does not eliminate the vein altered by varicose veins.

If a pathological reflux has formed in the vein, merely wearing stockings or socks does not mean anatomical elimination of the cause of the disease.

  •  Compression knitwear does not replace examination

By the external appearance of the legs, it is impossible to determine the condition of the superficial and deep veins in all cases.

  •  Compression knitwear is not a universal substitute for other treatment methods

If the examination results show indications for intervention or other therapy, the issue is resolved individually.

  •  Stronger compression does not mean more effective

The class of compression is a significant characteristic from a medical point of view, not a quality scale of the product. The required class is determined by the doctor, taking into account the diagnosis, symptoms, comorbidities, and other factors. That is why choosing medical knitwear based on the principle "the stronger the pressure, the better" is incorrect.

Compression knitwear and elastic bandages are not the same

The principle of compression can be implemented by various means, but a ready-made medical product and a self-applied elastic bandage cannot be considered fully interchangeable. In bandaging, the actual pressure largely depends on the technique of application. Medical compression knitwear is manufactured with specified compression characteristics and sizing systems.

Phlebologist, ultrasound doctor, vascular surgeon (angiologist) Shishova Elena Vladimirovna:

«The first fact in favor of compression knitwear is the presence of constant compression, which is indicated. A bandage does not perform this function.»

At the same time, the choice of a specific method of compression should remain with the attending physician.

When compression should not be selected independently

Compression therapy has limitations and contraindications. Therefore, this issue is especially important for people who have arterial diseases, sensitivity disorders, significant comorbidities, or skin problems in addition to varicose veins. Before prescribing compression therapy, the state of arterial blood circulation and other clinical factors are taken into account. For this reason, the class of compression, type of product, and mode of use should be determined by the doctor. If unusual pain, pronounced numbness, skin color changes, or other new symptoms occur during use, a medical assessment of the situation is required, rather than a self-transition to another class of compression.

The main point: compression helps solve specific tasks but does not eliminate the treatment of the cause.

The company «Ecotene» has been producing medical compression knitwear for over 17 years. All products have Registration Certificates and are included in the «Register of Russian Industrial Products». Any decisions regarding the appointment of compression products are made exclusively by the attending physician. This material is for informational purposes only. Follow us on our group on VKontakte.