What gradient compression stockings should I get to prevent varicose veins?

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Hi,

I have heard that nurses can develop varicose veins, as well as any other person who is in a profession that requires them to be on their feet for long periods of time.

I really don't want to get them! I have heard compression stockings can prevent them, however they come in different compressions:

Light- 15-20 mmHg

Medium- 20-30 mmHg

Tight- 30-40 mmHg

Should I start out with the light compression since I have never worn them before? Or the medium compression? I was thinking of getting thigh highs.

Thanks for any advice!

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I know everyone says that compression socks help, but, i'm not convinced all ppl are helped by this.

I once spent money i did not have, buying all kinds of higher priced compression stockings when i first got a few veins.

The veins got worse, not better.

so i bought even stronger hosiery, figuring the veins are now getting worse, cuz, i don't know, maybe cuz i'm a few years older now?

at some point, some doc told me, that i should consider skipping that support hose stuff, as for some ppl, that can exacerbate the veins becoming engorged.

so i did. I skipped it all. Just wore socks.

ahhh. My veins stopped getting worse, a few receded, and i had the rest blasted off of me. Haven't worn support hose since, and now, i am kinda sorry i ever did. I occasionally take some aspirin now and then, to help with any leg aches.

Not that this would be true for every person, but, those support hose made MY veins WORSE, not better. (and yes, i was putting them on while lying on my back on floor holding my feet up in air) so DO monitor if the hose are actually helping your legs,

or not.

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Thanks!

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

My husband teaches and began to get varicose veins and our PCP suggested the medium weight.

Hewould get much less tired by the end of the day.

I wore the heavier weight. We both wore the knee high socks.

I always bought mine either at a uniform store or at the drugstore, while he gets his from a local medical

supply house or from drugstore.com

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Did you notice you were developing less veins after wearing them?

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