Woman’s Doc: Treating Venous Insufficiency

January 10, 2011

Condition Causes Aches, Swelling

BALTIMORE — Roughly 8 million to 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from an uncomfortable condition called venous insufficiency, which can affect people who stand for long periods of time, such as nurses or teachers.

Dr. Paul Lucas, of Mercy Medical Center’s Vascular Center, said venous insufficiency is a buildup of pressure going down the legs.

“It can be as mild as achiness, with or without swelling, and one leg may swell more than another,” he said.

Lucas said the condition is caused by leaky valves in the legs.

“When the heart beats, the valve opens, and the blood moves in an upward direction. When the heart is at rest, the valve closes, preventing reflux of blood back down the leg,” he explained. “There is a failure of the valves to fully close when the heart is at rest, which causes reflux of blood back down the veins through the valve, which increases pressure in the lower part of the leg.

“He said the treatment is often simple — avoid long sessions of sitting or standing and wear compression stockings.

“I’m on my feet a lot, so I wear these stockings. It helps give my legs support and makes them feel better and not as tired,” said Cheryl, who’s been a nurse for 25 years.

Doctors said while most patients with venous insufficiency are women, men can also have problems with it.

This is a re-post from WBALTV.com

Healthy Leg Depot Now Ships Compression Stockings WORLDWIDE!

Healthy Leg Depot (http://www.healthylegdepot.com) is pleased to announce a new partnership which allows selling/shipping medical compression socks and compression stockings worldwide! International buyers may now purchase at their monetary equivalent of the same prices offered to United States buyers, and may pay via any major credit card, PayPal, or many other options.

All shipping documents, including customs documentation/declarations is handled by our partner, making the buying experience very smooth and easy.

Medical compression stockings are proven to relieve tired and aching legs, relieve the pain associated with swollen ankles and legs, as well as varicose veins. They are an integral part of wound care management of venous ulcers. Pregnant women who are experiencing leg problems due to pregnancy (increased blood volume in the body) find comfort in wearing maternity stockings.

Healthy Leg Depot is a leading online compression stocking store and features the Sigvaris line of compression hosiery.

SIGVARIS Launches New Soft Opaque 840 Series

Finally a compression therapy series for women who like a truly opaque design… Think tights or leggings! SIGVARIS Compression stockings has launched their highly anticipated 840 series, called Soft Opaque.

Available in 15-20mmHg and 20-30mmHg, these compression hose are free from the additionally added chemicals that many stockings have. Knee high, thigh hi, and pantyhose – in your choice of four great colors: Black, Graphite, Midnight Blue, and Espresso. The pantyhose may be worn as tights or leggings, masking those areas of the legs that women may not want people to see! The line also features a first for SIGVARIS – a measured fitting in a support (15-20mmHg) compression garment. They have always opted for support therapy sizing based on shoe size, height, and weight. But the 15-20mmHg Soft Opaque allows for a larger population fit by utilizing ankle, calf, and thigh measurements.

With the new Advanced Moisture Management system, legs are kept dry and cool. The knee hi boasts a comfortable wide top band to prevent rolling, and the thigh high features the fashionable Sensinnov top band to prevent rolling/sliding.

The New Jewel from Sigvaris

Breaking away from the norm, Sigvaris has just launched a new addition to their Support Therapy line, JEWEL. The Sigvaris 149C Jewel has a fashionable diamond pattern on a very sheer knee hi womens compression stocking and it’s now available at the Healthy Leg Depot support hose store. With the initial launch of Sigvaris Jewel comes black, dark navy and mocha colors in 15-20mmHg support socks. Designed for every day wear and professional dress, this new womens compression stocking boasts double covered inlay yarns which make it easier to put on, a top band for comfort and to ensure stay-up, and a separate sewn-in heel area.

Sigvaris is a worldwide leader in the manufacturer of medical compression stockings and support socks. Their precise fitting system allows a perfect fit with an out-of-the-box product for over 90% of the population.

Anti-Clotting Drug, Coumadin: Recalled by Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb announced a recall of the anti-clotting drug Coumadin because the amount of the active ingredient could change over time. A total of 144,672 one milligram pills were recalled, all distributed in the United States, and came from eight production lots, and bear expiration dates from June 2011 and November 2012.

The company said that the amount of isopropanol in the pills could change. Isopropanol is used to keep the tablet’s active ingredient in its crystalline form. As the amount of isopropanol changes, the amount of the active ingredient could be increased or reduced. Bristol-Myers Squibb said that the risk of clotting may increase if the amount of active ingredient is decreased, and if the active ingredient is increased, the patient faces greater risk of bleeding.

Coumadin (aka Warfarin) is used to treat or prevent blood clots. Compression stockings are also used when blood clots are of concern. Graduated medical compression socks and compression hosiery help reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome after clotting and can be purchased online at a compression stocking store such as Healthy Leg Depot.

FREE Compression Stockings from SIGVARIS!

SIGVARIS Compression Socks and Stockings, the worldwide leader in medical and support stockings for varicose veins, spider veins, swelling of the legs and feet, tired legs and swollen ankles,  launched a new promotion for FREE compression stockings today! Buy 3 pairs of knee-high 15-20mmHg compression socks, and get 1 pair additional for FREE via mail in coupon. Great travel sock as they work to increase the circulation while standing or sitting for long periods of time.

Knee-High products that qualify for this offer include Sheer Fashion, Cushioned Cotton for men, Cushioned Cotton for women, the newest addition to the line- the Athletic Recovery Sock for men and for women, as well as many others.

HURRY! Offer ends July 31, 2010. See the mail in coupon for specific details on how to redeem.