Support Hose For Woman
Knee Hi ** Thigh Hi ** Pantyhose ** Maternity ** Athletic ** Cotton ** Microfiber ** Sheer*
Support Hose For Men
Anklet ** Crew ** Over The Calf ** Thigh Hi ** Leotard ** Athletic ** Dress ** Casual ** Microfiber
What are varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins called hemorrhoids can form in the vagina or around the anus.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.
Wearing properly fitting support hose (also called compression stockings) is the most conservative approach for treating varicose veins, especially when the veins are symptomatic. Compression stockings come in various styles including below the knee, above-the-knee Thigh Hi and pantyhose . They also come in different compressions varying from 8-15mmHg 15-20mmHg 20-30mmHg & 30-40mmHg.
Normally the 15-20 mmHg is recommended for prevention of Varicose and Spider Veins. Click Here for a fu
ll selection of items.
Try a pair of our most popularCotton Support Socks to prevent and relive spider veins. Great for daily use. Unisex
What causes varicose veins and spider veins?
The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart.
The squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood. Hormone changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun
can also cause spider veins.
Sheer Support Knee-Hi Dress Support Hosiery prevents spider veins, looks and feels like a regular sheer stocking.
Who usually has varicose veins and spider veins?
Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose or spider veins. These include:
- Increasing Age
- Having family members with vein problems or being born with weak vein valves
- Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also increase the risk of varicose or spider veins
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. A growing number of abnormal veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy
- Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing and other things that weaken vein valves
- Sun exposure, which can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person
Available in Anklet * Crew * Over The Calf * Thigh Hi * & Leotard Lengths. Athletic, Dress, Casual & Microfiber materials
Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in the legs?
The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the veins' one-way valves.
Are varicose veins and spider veins painful or dangerous?
Spider veins usually do not need medical treatment. But varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. Severe varicose veins can cause health problems. These include:
- Severe venous insufficiency. This severe pooling of blood in the veins slows the return of blood to the heart. This condition can cause blood clots and severe infections. Blood clots can be very dangerous because they can move from leg veins and travel to the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs are life-threatening because they can block the heart and lungs from functioning.
- Sores or skin ulcers can occur on skin tissue around varicose veins.
- Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.
What are the signs of varicose veins?
Some common symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Aching pain
- Easily tired legs
- Leg heaviness
- Swelling in the legs
- Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
- Numbness in the legs
- Itching or irritated rash in the legs
How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?
The single most important thing a person can do to slow down the development of new varicose veins is to wear graduated compression support stockings as much as possible during the day.
Having Surgery or Vein Treatment? Click Here for Surgical Stockings to wear post surgery (its the ones we sell to the Physician office!)