Types of venous disease, including varicose veins and leg ulcers, can be controlled with compression therapy

The body's system of veins is called the venous system. Conditions that affect the venous system are called venous disease. Venous disease results in insufficient blood flow from the legs back to the heart. As a result, blood tends to pool in the legs. Undiagnosed or untreated, this blood pooling can result in edema (swelling), varicose veins, skin discoloration, sores and ulcers and, in some cases, life-threatening blood clots.

Defining compression therapy

Compression therapy is a type of therapy used to treat venous disease.
Compression therapy unlike exercise therapy works by applying pressure to the veins, which improves blood flow in the legs.

Types of compression therapy

The two most common types of compression circulation therapy are compression bandaging and elastic graduated compression hosiery:

• Compression bandaging uses bandages that are available in varying levels of compression-from light compression to exta-high. The type of bandage recommended depends on the patient's venous disorder. Elasticized compression bandages also are used. These bandages provide graduated compression, with the compression highest at the ankle. A benefit of elasticized compression bandages is, due to their elasticity, their ability to adjust. Even as leg swelling decreases, the bandage maintains the proper amount of compression.
• Compression hosiery is an alternative to compression bandaging. Compression hosiery must fit correctly to produce graduated compression. In most cases, patients wear the hosiery to the knee. Compression hosiery is made from a variety of fibers, including nylon and cotton.

Effects of compression therapy

Studies of compression therapy show that, following the removal of the compression bandaging or hosiery, the venous disorder returns to its pre-therapy condition. Research shows little evidence that compression therapy can cure or permanently improve venous disease. For this reason, patients use compression therapy as part of long-term management for venous disease. If you're concerned with venous disease, talk to your physician.

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