Compression Therapy
Leg Compression Therapy in the Greater San Jose area
You may need compression therapy if you have poor circulation and swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we are the greater San Jose area’s premier vascular center, specializing in leg compression therapy in Los Gatos and Salinas, CA, and throughout the greater San Jose area. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your options for leg compression therapy and determine if this treatment is right for you.
What Is Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for poor circulation in the lower legs. It is a safe, effective treatment option for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency and to reduce your risk of venous ulcers. This treatment option uses compression stockings, socks, or wraps to compress the legs, ankles, and feet. This prevents the risk of fluid and blood pooling up and causing swelling and discomfort. Different types of compression therapy are available, and the type you choose will depend on your condition, symptoms, age, and lifestyle.
Understanding Compression Therapy Benefits
You should consider compression therapy if you have chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, risk of deep vein thrombosis, risk of venous ulcers, swelling or edema in your feet or legs, chronic or recurring leg ulcers or wounds, unmanaged diabetes, orthostatic hypotension, or any other condition that causes chronic or severe swelling of the feet, legs, or ankles. The benefits of compression therapy are:
- Reduced swelling and inflammation.
- Reduced pain and discomfort.
- Reduced risk of venous ulcers.
- Improved healing of existing wounds and ulcers.
- Reduced risk of complications associated with chronic venous insufficiency and orthostatic hypotension.
- Reduced risk of deep vein thrombosis.
- Improved mobility and the ability to exercise or spend more time on your feet.
Types of Compression Therapy
There are a few types of compression therapy that can treat your symptoms and condition and reduce your risk of complications. We will evaluate your overall health, condition, symptoms, age, and lifestyle to determine which type is right for you:
- Compression Stockings – Compression stockings are tight stockings that go up to your knee. These are the most common types of compression garments for leg compression. If you have swelling or other symptoms that extend higher than your knee, you may need compression tights or leggings.
- Compression Bandages and Wraps – Compression bandages and wraps can be used for the legs and feet. This type of compression therapy is ideal for people who can’t put on socks or stockings easily.
- Compression Socks – Compression socks can be worn alone or in combination with other types of compression garments. They can relieve swelling in the feet and ankles.
- Inflatable Compression Devices – Inflatable compression garments cover the legs and are inflated to provide pressure.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Before you begin compression therapy, you will meet with our team to evaluate your overall health and discuss your symptoms. We may run tests and perform a physical examination to determine if you are a good candidate for compression therapy. If you are, we will go over your options for treatment and make a professional recommendation for the right type of compression treatment for your needs. You will either be fitted for custom compression garments, or you will be given information about purchasing compression garments that are effective for your needs and will be covered by your insurance. During compression therapy, the garments will squeeze your lower legs to improve circulation and help your circulatory system return blood to your heart. This reduces the risk of blood pooling up at your feet and ankles. We may recommend combining compression garments with other methods of compression therapy. We typically recommend wearing compression stockings or garments while awake and removing them to sleep.
Are Compression Stockings Effective?
We may recommend compression stockings or compression socks for circulation if you have edema or swelling of the feet and ankles. These stockings are very effective at improving circulation, restoring blood flow, alleviating swelling, reducing pain and discomfort, promoting healing, and reducing your risk of complications.
Does Compression Help With Swelling?
Yes, compression garments help with swelling. Compression stockings and other garments can improve circulation and help the blood flow back to your heart. Improved blood flow will accelerate the healing process and prevent swelling that could occur if blood pools in your veins.
Schedule a Consultation for Leg Compression Therapy
At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vein and vascular conditions, including varicose veins, venous ulcers, leg wounds, arterial and venous issues, and other vascular issues. We serve the greater San Jose area, including the cities of Campbell and Saratoga. Our team includes board-certified surgeons with decades of experience in their fields, and we offer the latest treatments and technology to improve your health and quality of life and alleviate pain, discomfort, swelling, and other symptoms. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss leg compression therapy.