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SoleScience is pleased to announce that we will now be offering compression therapy in addition to our other pedorthic services! Three of our Pedorthists have recently become certified fitters and are now able to fit any of our patients for graduated compression stockings.
What is compression therapy?
Compression therapy assists with the management of venous diseases and disorders of the body. In a normal, healthy leg, the calf muscle contracts as you walk to gently squeeze the veins in the lower leg, pushing blood back up to the heart. Veins have one-way valves that move blood only towards the heart. When venous disease is present, the valves become widened or leaky, resulting in impaired venous blood flow. This leads to pooling of the blood and swelling in the legs. Compression therapy is often recommended by your Physician to treat these symptoms and is also used to treat venous stasis skin changes, varicose veins and post-venous surgery.
How does compression therapy work?
Medical compression stockings provide graduated levels of compression up the leg to assist in the movement of venous blood. When the valves in the veins of the legs are compromised, or the calf muscle is unable to pump effectively, the veins are unable to effectively move the blood back to the heart for re-oxygenation. External compression gently squeezes the walls of the veins together, closing the leaky valves and moving the blood up towards the heart.
Who needs compression therapy?
According to the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery, varicose veins are common and approximately 20% of Canadian adults suffer from varicosities. The severity of varicose veins varies depending on several factors including heredity, occupation, age, pregnancy, obesity and lifestyle. Women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, representing 60% of the patient population.
Compression therapy is highly recommended to both reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and slow the progression of the problem. Currently, there are no medications that can reduce or repair varicose veins. Treatment options include compression therapy or surgical procedures.
Talk to your doctor about your treatment options if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Spider veins
- Tired, heavy feeling legs
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
- Skin discolouration
- Signs of varicose veins
For more information, or to book an appointment to discuss your options for compression therapy, contact your SoleScience Pedorthist today!
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