Aching, painful legs and feeling tired can be caused by circulatory problems. One major cause is the weakening of the vein valves and leg muscles so that blood isn’t returned to the heart as effectively as it should be. Compression hosiery is a proven means of assisting venous return and therefore helps alleviate the heavy aching feeling in your legs and helping to ensure that the condition doesn’t worsen.
Circulation can be improved through exercise - this will help blood flow and make your leg muscles stronger. Try taking a gentle walk each day to begin with. Flexing and circling your ankles every half-hour while sitting, wiggling your toes inside your shoes and getting up to bend your knees or march on the spot can all help maintain healthy circulation.
If you have to spend long periods sitting down, avoid having your legs crossed.
Varicose veins
These can be unsightly, itchy and uncomfortable. You may be surprised to know that as many as 30-40%* of the adult population have varicose veins.
Varicose veins can also occur when you're pregnant, as pressure from your growing womb may obstruct the blood as it returns from your legs, causing your leg veins to stretch. Hormonal changes also play their part during pregnancy, as leg vein muscles will relax, making the valves less effective.
If your parents or grandparents have varicose veins, you could also be at increased risk of developing them.
If your job requires you to sit or stand still for long periods of time, your veins may be at risk
And sports injuries, such as from football, can also lead to varicose veins.
Inflammation of the veins
Also known as phlebitis, inflamed veins can cause reddening, overheating and pain along the course of the vein.
Thrombosis
Poor return of blood from your legs increases your risk of blood clots forming in your veins, which in certain circumstances can lead to Deep Vein Thrombosis (See DVT).
* Reference: Evans et al J Epidemiol Community Health. 1999 Mar;53(3):149-53
Graduated compression stockings and socks such as Scholl Softgrip and Ultima ranges can help to push the blood back up towards your heart. They work by exerting the strongest pressure at your ankles, medium pressure around the knee area and the least pressure towards your thighs. They also bring the vein walls closer together, helping to stop blood slipping back through the valves.
For maximum benefits you should have your legs measured by your nurse, GP or pharmacist to ensure that you're prescribed the correct size of stockings or socks. You should then wear them regularly, preferably every day.
How compression hosiery works
Compression stockings and socks work with your body to help you to keep your blood flowing back from your legs up towards your heart. Scholl compression stockings and socks help you to achieve this with their overall compression and graduated compression up your legs.
Overall compression
This squeezing helps to reduce the blood flow and pressure in the veins near the surface of your skin. It also brings the vein walls closer together, which helps the vein valves to prevent the blood slipping back towards your feet.
Graduated compression
Compression stockings and socks do more than simply squeeze your legs. You will notice that they are tighter around your ankle than around your calf and, if you wear thigh length stockings, they will be tighter around your calf than around your thigh. The pressure or tightness gradually relaxes as it goes up your leg, which produces a gentle, upwardly squeezing effect. This progressive reduction is called 'graduated compression' and is a particularly effective way to push blood up your leg.
To enjoy the benefits of compression stockings or socks, you need to wear them regularly, preferably every day.
