Medically reviewed by Mark Featherston, MD, DABVLM, on January 22, 2025
Varicose veins are a common and often frustrating condition characterized by swollen, twisted veins that can appear in the legs. They’re known for causing discomfort, heaviness, swelling or pain, leading many people to seek out effective treatments. Compression stockings are one of the most frequently recommended solutions for managing varicose veins. Even though these unique, medical-grade garments are praised as a convenient and straightforward remedy, many wonder if compression therapy is an overall cure for their varicose veins.
In this blog, we’ll explore the role of compression stockings in treating varicose veins and discuss why compression therapy is considered one part of a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone cure. We consulted with Dr. Mark Featherston, lead vein physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) in Greensboro, North Carolina, as he clarifies the benefits compression therapy has on varicose veins before discussing why professional treatments are a better choice for those looking to address the root of the problem: chronic venous insufficiency and vein disease.
Are you already eager to get started on your journey to better vein care? Start by taking the self-assessment at CVR to get key insights about your suitability for our minimally invasive and professional treatments. Ready for a consultation? Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule online at a CVR near you today.
Before diving deeper into the benefits and limitations of compression stockings, it’s essential to grasp what varicose veins are and why they form. Varicose veins are bulging veins that often appear in the legs because of weakened or damaged valves within their walls. These valves help prevent blood from flowing backward as it returns to the heart, but when the valves grow weak and fail, blood pools in the veins, causing them to become swollen and tortuous.
Several factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins, including genetics, age, obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, and hormonal changes such as those that occur in pregnancy. While more common in women, varicose veins can affect anyone. Though often considered a cosmetic issue by many varicose veins can cause leg pain and swelling. According to the Cleveland Clinic, severe cases may also lead to serious complications such as ulcers or blood clots.
Compression stockings have been a trusted treatment for varicose veins for many years. While they can significantly improve symptoms, they don’t treat the core cause of the condition, meaning their results are temporary. Here's how compression therapy addresses varicose vein pain:
Compression stockings work by applying gentle, graduated pressure on the legs. This means the stockings are tightest at the ankle and gradually become looser with height. This pressure helps encourage better blood flow, especially for people with damaged vein valves.
The vein support from compression stockings helps blood flow more effectively upward toward the heart. This reduces the blood pooling in the veins, and can reduce uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins, such as pain, swelling, and heaviness in the legs which result from the blood pooling. For many people, wearing compression stockings during the day can make a noticeable difference in their ability to stay active and comfortable.
While compression stockings don’t treat the underlying causes of varicose veins, they can prevent the condition from worsening. When worn regularly, compression stockings can slow the progression of varicose veins by supporting the vein walls and halting the excessive pooling of blood. This is especially noteworthy for those already at higher risk of developing varicose veins.
Aside from the physical symptoms of varicose veins, their cosmetic appearance may also be a source of self-consciousness or emotional discomfort. Compression stockings can be worn discreetly under clothing and help improve overall quality of life by increasing circulation, reducing swelling, and easing discomfort, enabling a more active and comfortable lifestyle.
Despite their many medically proven benefits, compression stockings don’t “cure” varicose veins; they simply help manage the uncomfortable symptoms and slow the progression of the condition, leaving the damaged valves unrepaired and the underlying cause of the problem unaddressed entirely. While compression stockings can be an essential part of a varicose vein management plan, they’re far from a total solution.
Many people use compression stockings to supplement professional treatment and help manage their symptoms, but compression therapy alone won’t reverse visible veins or alleviate symptoms permanently. Those looking to remove varicose veins with professional treatment may need to consider other options, such as:
These minimally invasive treatments are typically used when varicose veins cause significant pain or complications or if they are severely affecting a person’s quality of life. Some—particularly visual and foam sclerotherapy—are also well-suited for treating spider veins, which are closer to the surface of the skin and are primarily cosmetic. A CVR vein care physician can help determine the best course of action based on the severity of the condition and your health history.
While compression stockings are an excellent way to manage varicose vein symptoms on a day-to-day basis, they’re not meant to work as a long-term treatment plan. Consult a vein care physician if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms.
These signs indicate vein disease progression that compression therapy won’t solve:
A vein care specialist can evaluate the progression of your condition and recommend the most effective treatment options, which will likely be a customized combination of professional procedures, compression therapy, and changes to your lifestyle.
Compression stockings are a highly effective way to manage the symptoms of varicose veins, but they do not provide a permanent cure. They can help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and improve blood circulation, making them essential to many people's vein care routines. However, only professional vein treatments will eliminate or prevent varicose veins from worsening.
If you’re suffering from varicose veins, don’t hesitate to contact a vein care specialist who can guide you toward the best treatment plan for your specific needs and improve your overall quality of life.
Let CVR's compassionate vein care experts help you manage uncomfortable symptoms and achieve the physical and emotional well-being you deserve. Call our hotline today to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options at 240-965-3915. You can also schedule ONLINE.