Compression Socks Can Help Prevent Varicose Veins

Interview Transcript

Announcer: The Health Minute, produced by University of Utah Health.

What Do Compression Socks Do?

Interviewer: Can compression socks prevent varicose veins? Dr. Claire Griffin is a vascular surgeon. Do they help?

Dr. Griffin: Compression socks help prevent the backup of blood, which is what leads to incompetent veins, and incompetent veins is what leads to varicose veins.

Why Wear Compression Socks for Varicose Veins?

Interviewer: So they can help. So if your doctor prescribed them, you should wear them?

Dr. Griffin: Yes. In fact, if you don't wear them, no insurance company will help pay for any of the treatments of varicose veins. The first step is always wearing your compression socks.

How Long to Wear Compression Socks

Interviewer: Okay. And you have to wear them all the time or just once in a while okay?

Dr. Griffin: Every day until bedtime is the ideal, particularly on days when you're either on your feet or immobile for long periods of time.

Benefits of Compression Socks

Interviewer: And over time, research does show that they do make a difference?

Dr. Griffin: They make a difference, and often people notice an immediate symptomatic improvement in how their legs feel at the end of the day.

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