Information for patients, their families and carers
Why you need to read this leaflet
This leaflet has been produced to help make you aware of some common leg complaints which, if diagnosed early enough, can be helped or reduced by using compression therapy.
If you are on your feet a lot, the advice in this booklet is also for you.
The deep veins in your legs contain valves. If these become ineffective through injury or inactivity the blood may be redirected to the superficial veins situated near the surface of the skin, causing complaints such as varicose veins and leg ulcers. It’s this extra pressure in your veins that may lead to problems in later life.
If you are having problems with your legs, you may have noticed that the skin has become discoloured, and you may also experience itchiness in the lower part of your legs.
The veins may also start to bulge and become sore. The pain may be worse at the end of the day when you have been standing for long periods. These problems are usually more common where there is a family history of varicose veins or leg ulcers.
What are the most common leg problems?
General skin changes: our skin naturally changes as we get older, for example our skin may lose its softness, elasticity and smoothness. However, you may notice more unusual changes; your legs may become scaly, drier and you may experience brown discolouration over time. This may be because of leakage of substances from your blood vessels into your surrounding skin.
Swollen ankles and legs: swelling occurs because of an increase of fluid in your legs. Swelling can be a very painful and distressing condition that can occur for several reasons. Your doctor or nurse will be able to discuss this with you.
Varicose Veins: a varicose vein occurs when the valves within the vessel become ineffective or incompetent and allow the blood to fall backwards. Eventually the vein becomes permanently stretched and twisted in appearance which could cause discomfort. Varicose veins are usually thought to be a hereditary condition, and this is said to be so in 75% of cases.
Because the veins have been weakened, any additional strain or pressure on them may result in the formation of varicose veins. This could be due to pregnancy, obesity, injury, occupational, constriction or constipation.
How to examine your own legs
If your veins are not working efficiently, you may experience skin changes and other signs that indicate what, if any problems may be developing.
Answering “Yes” to the statements below may indicate that you have problems with the veins in your legs and you may need to seek advice.
Do you regularly have any of the following symptoms?
- Reddish brown staining above the ankle
- Sores that appear within the stained skin
- Itchy patches above the ankle
- Wounds or skin tears that are slow to heal
- Visible and painful varicose veins
- Tired, throbbing and / or swollen legs
If any of these are occurring, the skin above the ankle will be very vulnerable. If the above symptoms are not attended to then the risk of developing leg ulcers is high. Use of compression hosiery or socks will reduce the risk by helping the blood return up the leg.
How compression therapy works
Compression hosiery will help the venous blood return up the leg, thereby:
- Reducing the chances of any problems occurring with your legs.
- Reducing the swelling and aching in the leg
- Reducing skin irritation and staining
Compression hosiery work by applying a firm, graduated pressure to the muscle and veins in your legs. When your calf muscle contracts e.g., during walking, your hosiery for example will ‘give’ and then return to its original position. By doing this your hosiery can assist your body’s own natural mechanism for returning your blood back to your heart.
What should I do if I’m advised to wear compression hosiery?
If you are advised to wear compression hosiery, then you should do so. If they are not comfortable or are difficult to get on, please speak to your nurse or advisor. It is important that you get the correct fit and that you know how to put them on easily. If you are struggling, there are aids available that can help with application and removal of the garments.
At your appointment you will be prescribed 2 pairs of hosiery or socks. These will last for approximately twelve months then they will lose their elasticity and support and will not apply the correct level of compression needed to return the blood to the heart.
Following the appointment, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP who will continue to manage your on-going needs and issue a new prescription as required.
When you are given new hosiery, you should discard your old ones.
What can you do to help prevent any problems developing in your legs?
Do
- Regularly moisturise your legs
- Walk and exercise regularly to keep the calf muscle pump working
- Eat a balanced diet and watch your weight
- Put your feet up
- Check your legs and feet regularly
- Get treatment for any sores on your legs, particularly if you suffer from diabetes
- Act on advice from a trained healthcare professional and wear hosiery if recommended
Don’t
- Cross your legs
- Stand for long periods
- Have very hot baths
- Ignore any sores or irritations
- Assume that your leg will just get better by itself
- Don’t scratch your legs
- Smoke
- Remain inactive for extended periods, e.g. long journeys
Tips
- Wear your stockings as advised by your health professional
- Put them on as soon as you get up in the morning and wear them all day until you go to bed at night
- Make sure there are no wrinkles in the stockings when you have applied them
- Don’t fold the top of the stocking over
- Apply moisturiser to your legs when you have removed your stockings at night
- You can wash them in the washing machine at no more than 40 degrees, but you must not use fabric conditioner
- Do not dry them on a radiator, or if you must, ensure there is a towel underneath. Do not tumble dry
- If there are any holes or ladders in your stockings, they will not work properly, and you will need to obtain a new prescription from your GP
Remember
You can do a lot to prevent your leg problems. If you are not sure about your treatment, ask your doctor or nurse to explain.
You can also access the Lower Limb Vascular Service web page below for more information, support and advice.