If you suffer from varicose veins  and spider veins, you know firsthand the frustration of dealing with fatigue, swelling, itching, burning, and leg cramps. Compression socks help reduce the symptoms of painful varicose veins and when worn faithfully, they slow the progression of vein disease. However, compression alone does not correct the underlying vein problem.

Compression socks promote the venous blood flow from the feet back toward the heart overcoming the effects of gravity. Medical grade graduated compression is designed to be stronger in the feet and gradually diminish in pressure as they extend up the calf into the thigh. Properly designed and fitted compression leg-wear prevent venous blood pooling in the legs and feet, improve leg symptoms, and decrease the risk of blood clots.

If you have symptomatic vein disease, you should wear compression when you are up and about, except for bathing. There is no need to wear them when in bed, but you should put them on when you wake up in the morning before getting out of bed. If you wait until later in the morning to put on your socks, the blood will already begin to pool in the lower legs and feet making your symptoms worse.

You can encourage better leg health by following these simple steps: 1) Elevate your feet above your heart.  A great way to do this is with a Lift Chair recliner from Lincoln Mobility. 2) Start an exercise program of walking, swimming or other aerobic activity. 3) Move your feet by wiggling your toes and flexing your feet. 4) Wear medical grade compression socks.

Medical grade graduated compression comes in different prescriptive levels based on the degree of compression ranging 15-20, 20-30, and 30-40 mmHg.  At Lincoln Mobility, our certified fitters will assist you in the proper care of your compression socks and the best way to put them on and take them off.

With advances in weaving mechanisms, the leading medical grade compression hose manufacturers have introduced a number of new products. There are now compression socks for most any occasion: work, sports, and an evening out.

Consult with your vein specialists on what level of compression wear you need and stop in Lincoln Mobility to get fitted.  They are located at 2655 S. 70^th St. in Lincoln and can be reached by phone at 402-421-8800.