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Compression stockings Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.

Answers to questions about compression stockings

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

How can I reduce my risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when flying?

If you're at risk of developing DVT, a flight of more than eight hours can increase your risk. You can help prevent DVT by doing exercises and wearing compression stockings while you fly.

Explanation

There is some evidence to suggest that if you're already at risk of developing DVT, a flight of more than eight hours will increase your risk.

You're at risk of developing DVT if you:

  • are overweight
  • are over 40
  • smoke
  • are taking the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy
  • are pregnant
  • have recently had surgery
  • have cancer
  • have had a DVT before

If you're travelling for a long time, there are a number of things that you can do to help prevent the formation of a blood clot:

  • wear compression stockings - these help to prevent DVT and the build-up of fluid in your legs (oedema)
  • walk around the cabin - if this isn't possible, flex your ankles regularly to contract your calf muscles
  • drink plenty of water so that you don't become dehydrated
  • don't drink too much alcohol
  • don't take sleeping tablets
  • if you have recently had surgery or DVT, speak to your GP before you travel - he or she may recommend an injection of heparin before the flight to help prevent DVT

Further information

Sources

  • Clarke M, Hopewell S, Juszczak E, et al. Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art. No: CD004002.pub2. www.cochrane.org
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:364-365
  • Risk of venous thrombosis and long distance travel (including air flights). British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH). www.bcshguidelines.com, accessed 21 July 2008
  • Cancer and the risk of blood clots. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 1 December 2008
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I have varicose veins - will compression stockings stop them from getting worse?

Yes. You should also take other measures such as losing excess weight.

Explanation

Most people with varicose veins don't have any symptoms other than a swollen vein on their leg. However, in some people their varicose veins cause them problems including those listed below.

  • Thrombophlebitis - your superficial veins can become painful and reddened due to inflammation or blockage of your veins.
  • Bleeding - your varicose veins can bleed if you cut or bump your leg. You should raise your leg above the level of your heart and apply pressure to the bleeding area to help stop the bleeding.
  • Skin pigmentation - this is brown or purple discolouration of the skin that often becomes permanent.
  • Varicose eczema - this is dry, scaly skin that may become ulcerated.
  • Venous ulcers - you can get ulcers if you have very weak blood flow in the veins that drain blood from your skin. A minor wound, usually around your shin or ankle, can fail to heal, causing an ulcer.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your GP.

If you have varicose veins and don't have any other symptoms, you can help prevent them from getting worse by doing the following.

  • Wearing compression stockings will improve the blood flow in your legs.
  • Don't stand still for long periods of time. You should walk around regularly, this works the muscles in your calves which act as a pump to improve the blood flow in your legs.
  • If you're overweight, you should try to lose any excess weight
    • .

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:362-365, 640-641
  • Thrombophlebitis. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. http://cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 21 July 2008
  • London NJM, Nash R. ABC of arterial and venous disease: varicose veins. BMJ 2000; 320:1391-1394. www.bmj.com
  • Longmore M, Wilkinson IB, Rajagopalan S. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004:528
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I have had leg ulcers before - can compression stockings prevent them re-occurring?

Yes, wearing compression stockings can help to prevent the re-occurrence of leg ulcers. If you have leg ulcers caused by varicose veins, you may be able to have surgery to treat your varicose veins.

Explanation

Leg ulcers are painful lesions in your skin that affect one in every 100 adults in the UK and are more common in people over 65. Venous leg ulcers are areas of skin loss (lesions), usually near your ankle that can be very painful.

Most leg ulcers are caused by problems with the valves in your leg veins. These are called venous leg ulcers. Leg ulcers can also be caused by:

  • problems with the arteries in your legs
  • injury
  • diabetes
  • being overweight

If you have had venous leg ulcers caused by vein problems, your GP may refer you to a vascular surgeon (a surgeon specialising in blood vessels). Surgery may prevent the re-occurrence of leg ulcers.

Venous leg ulcers re-occur in four out of 10 people. To help prevent your venous leg ulcers from returning you should:

  • wear compression stockings
  • lose excess weight
  • walk around regularly
  • keep your legs raised when resting

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:640
  • Venous leg ulcers. BMJ Clinical Evidence. www.clinicalevidence.com, accessed 9 July 2008
  • Cullum N, Nelson EA, Fletcher AW, et al. Compression for venous leg ulcers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 2. Art. No: CD000265. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000265. www.cochrane.org
  • Gohel M, Barwll J, Taylor M, et al. Long term results of compression therapy alone versus compression plus surgery in chronic venous ulceration (ESCHAR): randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2007; 335:83-87. www.bmj.com
  • Personal communication, Mr Mo Baguneid, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, University Hospital of South Manchester, 1 December 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: April 2009

 

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