Varicose Veins

It is estimated that over six million people in the UK suffer from varicose veins - five million of which are women. Varicose veins are thought to be a hereditary condition.

Varicose veins are not regarded as a particularly dangerous problem, but they can be very painful and unsightly.

Veins are equipped with non-return valves to assist the return journey of blood to the heart. These valves are particularly important in the legs but sometimes become slightly ineffective, resulting in a slight backflow of blood and weakening the vein walls. Eventually the vein becomes permanently elongated and dilated resulting in pain.

There are two main underlying causes of varicose veins:

1. Insufficient number of valves in the vein
2. Weakness in the walls of the vein

These will not cause problems by themselves, but, in partnership with one of the following, will cause varicose veins:

• Pregnancy - Hormonal changes result in relaxation of muscle walls.
• Injury - Valves can be damaged by knocks.
• Constriction - Diseases of heart or lungs that cause blood pressure changes.
• Constipation - Swelling or tumours may encourage formation of varicose veins.
• Occupational - Standing or sitting in one position for too long, inactivity.

Treatments

• In the early stages there are no outward signs of symptoms but there is a feeling of heaviness and a general aching sensation in the legs. At this point it is advisable to wear Graduated Support Tights or Knee Highs - which are designed to help support the leg, improve circulation and reduce tiredness and swollen ankles and are available in different support levels, colours and sizes.
• Injections (Sclerotherapy)
• Surgery a) Ligation b) Stripping
• Compression Therapy

Complications

• Varicose Eczema
• Phlebitis
• Deep Vein Thrombosis

Pregnancy and Varicose Veins

You would be right in thinking that one bump is enough during pregnancy, but if you don't take care of your legs, the unsightly lumps and bumps associated with varicose veins may also appear and, once you've got them, they are difficult to get rid of.

Preventing Varicose Veins

Prevention is obviously the best way of dealing with the problem of varicose veins, and the secret is to start wearing compression hosiery to support your legs as soon as you try to conceive.

The reason for this is that hormonal changes take place in the legs during the first ten weeks of pregnancy, when mothers-to-be may not even know they are pregnant. These hormonal changes cause the blood vessel walls to relax and combined with increased blood volume during pregnancy, varicose veins can occur. You are also at risk during the later stages of pregnancy when the weight of your baby can press heavily on the veins in the groin, causing an additional 'blockage' effect.

Family History of Varicose Veins

It's worth checking out your own mother's legs as varicose veins tend to be hereditary. So if your mother had varicose veins whilst pregnant, all the more reason to wear compression hosiery to prevent vein problems yourself.

Compression Hosiery on Prescription

A recent article in Pregnancy Magazine agreed that support stockings "are your weapon" [against varicose veins], a prescription for compression hosiery is free of charge for pregnant women if your GP or midwife feels you are at risk of vein problems. If you are concerned about your legs during your pregnancy see your doctor or midwife for more information about compression hosiery.

Wearing Hosiery

Activa hosiery is clinically proven to help prevent varicose veins and is made from Lycra soft and Tactel nylon, so it looks like regular hosiery. You won't look like Nora Batty in wrinkled, beige stockings! You can wear a pair of below knee ribbed socks in black or brown or below knee hosiery in black, sand or honey. The below knee length is normally all you will need and won't get in the way of your bump. Thigh length stockings are also available.

If you have already found Activa compression hosiery to be of help during pregnancy, and would like to share your story with other people please email pregnancy@ccdpr.com

So you've got to wear compression hosiery for your varicose veins?

Activa's hosiery is a million miles away from what was once known as the Norah Batty look. Using modern materials such as Lycra and Tactel, you can wear knee highs, thigh length stockings or tights every day, safe in the knowledge that nobody will know you're wearing compression hosiery. What's more, the support they provide puts a real zing in your step and you'll find that your legs are a lot less tired at the end of a hard day. Join the thousands of people who already benefit from wearing Activa compression hosiery and enjoy having that extra little bit of support - your legs deserve it.

Stocking Application

Click here for our step by step guide to getting your hosiery on.

ActiGlide

Need help getting your hosiery on? ActiGlide is a stocking applicator which allows your hosiery to glide effortlessly up your leg.

Pregnancy and Varicose Veins

You would be right in thinking that one bump is enough during pregnancy, but if you don't take care of your legs, the unsightly lumps and bumps associated with varicose veins may also appear and, once you've got them, they are difficult to get rid of.

Preventing Varicose Veins

Prevention is obviously the best way of dealing with the problem of varicose veins, and the secret is to start wearing compression hosiery to support your legs as soon as you try to conceive.

The reason for this is that hormonal changes take place in the legs during the first ten weeks of pregnancy, when mothers-to-be may not even know they are pregnant. These hormonal changes cause the blood vessel walls to relax and combined with increased blood volume during pregnancy, varicose veins can occur. You are also at risk during the later stages of pregnancy when the weight of your baby can press heavily on the veins in the groin, causing an additional 'blockage' effect.

Family History of Varicose Veins

It's worth checking out your own mother's legs as varicose veins tend to be hereditary. So if your mother had varicose veins whilst pregnant all the more reason to wear compression hosiery to prevent vein problems yourself.

Compression Hosiery on Prescription

A recent article in Pregnancy Magazine agreed that support stockings "are your weapon" [against varicose veins], and the article points out that pregnant women are entitled to a free prescription for three pairs of Activa compression hosiery. If you are concerned about your legs during your pregnancy, see your doctor or midwife for more information about compression hosiery.

Wearing Hosiery

Activa hosiery is clinically proven to help prevent varicose veins and made from Lycra soft and Tactel nylon so it looks like regular hosiery. You won't look like Nora Batty in wrinkled, beige stockings! You can wear a pair of below knee ribbed socks in black or brown or below knee hosiery in black, sand or honey. The below knee length is normally all you will need and won't get in the way of your bump. Thigh length stockings are also available.

If you have already found Activa compression hosiery to be of help during pregnancy, and would like to share your story with other people please email pregnancy@ccdpr.com

Tips for Healthy Legs

DO:

• Regularly moisturize your legs to keep the skin supple and smooth
• Walk and exercise regularly to get the blood flowing
• Eat a balanced diet and watch your weight
• Put your feet up
• Check your legs and feet regularly
• Get treatment for any knocks or sores on your ankles, especially if you suffer from diabetes

DON'T

• Smoke
• Cross your legs
• Stand for long periods
• Have very hot baths
• Ignore any sores or irritations
• Assume any knocks or sores will get better by themselves
• Remain inactive for extended periods and long journeys

If you would like a copy of our Taking Care of Your Legs leaflet please call our Customer Care number on 08450 606707 or e-mail your request to info@activahealthcare.co.uk who will be pleased to send you your free copy.

Which class is required?

Here are the guidelines for selecting the appropriate class. The size can be selected with the downloadable Hosiery Selector. Click here for the pip codes.

Indications for use:
Activa 14-17mmHg. Class 1. Available on FP10
Light Compression- Should be used for superficial or early varicose veins.

Activa 18-24mmHg. Class 2. Available on FP10
Medium Compression- Should be used in medium severity varicose veins and after sclerotherapy or stripping.

Activa 25-35mmHg. Class 3. Available on FP10
Strong Compression - Class 3 should be used for severe varicose veins.

Contra Indications

• People with diabetes unless under medical supervision
• Significant arterial disease (ischaemia) according to vascular assessment
• Congestive cardiac failure as compression can lead to cardiac overload
• Known sensitivity to the fabric of the stocking

Warnings and Precautions

If you have had, or believe you may have had any problems with your veins, then it is important that you seek advice from a trained health professional before wearing any compression hosiery. Use with caution where diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are present as there may be micro-vascular disease. People with diabetes may also have some degree of peripheral neuropathy, which could cause problems. Take care applying over bony prominences and thin legs to avoid damage to the skin and circulation. Your hosiery should not cause any pain or discomfort. In the unlikely event of this happening please remove your hosiery immediately and seek advice from your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.