Compression hosiery is usually the first part of any varicose veins treatment option; not least because, being a conservative form of treatment, it is the least expensive of all the options.

Compression hosiery is also widely utilised following other treatment methods, such as endovenous laser ablation; to promote healing of the leg by lessening the pain, swelling and bruising and, indeed, increasing the efficiency of the calf muscle pump.

Whilst compression hosiery is fairly readily accepted by women, it is also a vital treatment regime for men, with a full variety of socks and stockings designed especially for the male taste.

There are a few factors to consider when thinking about compression hosiery as a treatment option:

Compression hosiery can help alleviate some of the symptoms of varicose veins and venous disease, but cannot treat or repair the underlying veins that give rise to the varicose veins.

Whilst it is still likely that, with compression therapy, the varicose veins will continue to worsen and require a more advanced form of treatment; for many people compression hosiery is the only answer required.

Gradient compression hosiery works by providing a decreasing degree of compression as you move up the leg; with compression of the leg strongest at the ankle level and a reduced compression further up the limb. 

It is this steady pressure provided by the hosiery, compressing the leg muscles, which in turn compresses the veins and helps pump blood back to the heart.

Compression hosiery also works by compressing the superficial veins beneath the surface of the skin and preventing them from over expanding with pooled blood throughout the day.

There are varying degrees of compression available, with the greater the compression giving the greatest effect. This is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHG) and ranges between 10 mmHg and in excess of 50mmHg. The compression hosiery at the lower end of the range is used for milder cases of venous incompetence, whilst the higher ranges may only be available with a doctors prescription.

Compression hosiery comes in a variety of different types, shades, brands and styles allowing surgeons and patients to express a personal preference, with out compromising the treatment.

The contra-indications to compression hosiery are very few and far between; the main one being peripheral vascular disease (problems with the inflow/arterial flow) and a poor fit that can obstruct sufficient supply of blood to the leg.