This patient education resource provides answers to many common questions about venous disease and compression therapy.
• Do I need to see a specialist to determine if I have venous disease?
Not all physicians are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Certainly, if you have any one of the warning signs, see your doctor as soon as possible. If you feel you may have more serious or advanced vein problems, you may want to see a specialist. Contact your health care provider for physician referral. Or, if you prefer, you can get a list of doctors in your area who treat vein disease right here.
• Can vein disease be prevented?
There's only one real way to prevent venous disease. Be aware of your personal risks, identify any early warning signs and wear compression therapy stockings at the first sign of any problems.
• Is there a cure for vein disease?
There's no cure for venous disease. It's a chronic condition that, left untreated, worsens over time. There are treatment options that address the symptoms of venous disease, perhaps even stop its progression. But, the fact is, a damaged vein can't fix or heal itself. That's why it's important that vein problems are diagnosed and treated immediately.
• What is graduated compression and why is it so important?
Graduated compression puts the strongest pressure where the veins are weakest. Simply because of gravity, that's usually the ankles. That's where the greatest swelling occurs. And the single most important component in the treatment of venous disease is the reduction of swelling.
• Are these like the stockings my great-grandmother used to wear?
Not at all. Today's compression stockings are sheer, lightweight and barely distinguishable from regular fashion stockings.
• How will I feel in compression stockings?
The first thing you'll notice is reduced swelling and virtually no pain. Of course, like any new therapy, they may take some getting used to, but you'll have more energy and feel better almost immediately.
• Are your stockings latex-free? How about cotton-free?
Yes to both questions. Concerning latex-free, medi understands the significant risk associated with putting products that contain latex, directly on the skin. The risk of having an adverse allergic reaction with latex is therefore eliminated. As for cotton-free, medi believes strongly in non-cotton, breathable products that contain anti-microbial properties. Just look at high-end sports apparel being sold today, no cotton.
• How do graduated compression therapy stockings work?
Medically accurate graduated compression therapy stockings push dilated vein walls back into place, enabling veins to close properly and function more efficiently. The result is increased blood flow which, in turn, significantly reduces leg swelling, pain, fatigue and the risk of blood clot formation.
• Why are medical stockings sold by prescription only?
Because medical compression stockings are designed to provide exact compression, the correct fit is critical. Exact compression means that pressure is distributed in a graduated manner up the leg, maximizing blood flow from the leg veins back to the heart. Only a professional fitter can ensure accurate measurement of your legs and, therefore, the right stockings for your individual needs, and every Mediven retailer is a professional fitter.
Medical compression stockings are to be worn only as prescribed by your physician and are not recommended for patients with severe arterial insufficiency.
• Are medical stockings expensive? How long do they last?
A doctor-prescribed medical device designed to stop the progression of a serious disease, medical compression stockings cost more than regular stockings. mediven stockings, however, come with a six-month compression guarantee. That makes them a better value than other stockings. Check with your doctor to see if mediven medical compression stockings are covered by your health insurance.
• How do Mediven compression stockings compare to anti-embolism stockings?
White anti-embolism stockings are given out in hospitals. They're specifically designed for patients who are lying down. While they provide slight compression along the leg, they do not provide the prescription graduated compression that's so important for fighting vein disease when you are up and about and leading a normal life.
