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Leg vein problems
All you need to know
Comfort, Health & Style!
Venous disorders:
Affecting all walks of life
It is estimated that 20% of men and 30% of
women suffer from some form of venous disorder.
Venous disorders are an extremely common occurrence, just like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. They also need to be taken just as seriously. Although venous disorders are complex medical conditions, this brochure can help you understand
what causes them and how they can be managed.
We at BSN Medical hope the information in this brochure helps get you on your way to better leg health.
JOBST® offers a variety of compression
garments for every occasion designed to deliver superior therapy with value and style.
Your Partner in Leg Health,
BSN Medical Inc.
Blood: How it circulates
The circulation of blood can be easily explained if we look at three of the “major elements”: the heart, the arteries and the veins.
The pumping of the heart forces blood from the heart through the arteries and veins of your body.
Arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the heart to your body tissue. Veins return the blood
back to your heart.
Veins and valves: How they work
Inside veins, valves open to allow blood to flow back toward the heart, then close to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. The valves keep blood flow in the veins moving in one direction.
Valves open when muscles contract, allowing blood
to return to the heart.
Valves close when muscles relax. Blood cannot flow backwards.
How vein problems occur
Problems occur when a valve
no longer closes properly.
Weak or damaged valves
cannot support the blood when the muscle relaxes. This allows blood to flow
backwards in the vein, creating
pressure on the valves below.
These valves can also weaken.
Blood flow back to the heart is reduced and other complications can develop.
A damaged valve.
Pooling
A damaged or poorly closing
valve in a vein of the leg allows
blood to flow backwards. This can cause blood to back
up and collect in the veins of the lower leg. Pooling of blood in the veins of the lower leg
causes swelling, especially near
the ankles and calves.
Enlarged veins
When a valve is damaged or
missing, the backup of blood
results in higher pressure in
the veins below. This higher
pressure especially affects the
superficial veins. This higher
pressure may strain the walls
of the vein, causing them to
enlarge and even twist. As the
veins enlarge, the valves within
them can no longer close
correctly. Enlarged superficial
veins are visible bulges under
the skin of the leg. These are
also called “ropy” veins.
Blood clots
The blood cells stick together
near a valve, forming a clot.
Clots in the deep veins are the
most serious (called deep vein
thrombosis or DVT). Part of a
DVT may break loose and lodge
in the lungs and may also cause
long-term problems in the
veins of the leg. Slow-moving
or poorly flowing blood in the
veins is more likely to clot. The
clot may completely or partially
block the flow of blood through
the vein. Clots may be caused
by sluggish blood flow, injury
to a vein, and abnormal blood
clotting factors.
Venous disorders:
A variety of conditions Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
CVI results from damaged valves in the veins, causing
blood to pool in the leg which leads to swelling and discomfort. This can lead to skin damage and leg ulcers.
Although CVI cannot be cured, it should be controlled.
Symptoms
of CVI include:
n inflammation and / or swelling of the leg
n leg pain
n varicose veins
n discoloration
n hardening of the skin or leg ulcers
Swelling
Swelling, also referred to as oedema, occurs due to buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues, often in the lower leg and ankle. Prolonged swelling should not be ignored,
as it may be a sign of serious disease or chronic venous
insufficiency. Consult your physician.
Symptoms
of oedema include:
n enlarged ankles and calf
n discomfort or tired legs
n decreased mobility (leg may feel heavy)
n decreased skin elasticity.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins can be mild or severe. They are caused
from a backflow or pooling of blood in a damaged vein.
They may also occur as a result of heredity or develop during pregnancy. Spider veins are small, dilated vessels located close to the skin. They appear in a spidery or sunburst pattern. Symptoms of varicose veins include:
n bulging veins
n aching and discomfort in the leg
n leg heaviness and fatigue
n inflammation
Venous ulcers
The chronic backup of blood due to damaged valves
allows blood to pool in the lower leg, causing swelling.
Chronic swelling interferes with the nutrition and oxygen
supply to the skin. The skin becomes dry, flaky and
darker in color. The skin is fragile and easily breaks with
minor trauma, forming an open wound, slow to heal.
Symptoms of venous ulcers include:
n swelling of the ankle and lower leg
n dermatitis
n purple or brown
n discoloration of the skin around and above the ankles
n open skin with moderate to heavy drainage
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A DVT is a blood clot (thrombosis) that forms in a deep
vein, partially or completely blocking the flow of blood. A serious, potentially fatal complication of DVT is that a
clot can detach from the wall of the vein, travel through
the bloodstream, and lodge in the lungs.
Symptoms
of DVT include:
n sudden swelling in the leg
n a painful or tender leg
n skin that warms to the touch
Managing DVT: Depending on the location of your DVT, your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner (anticoagulant). This type of medication (such as heparin or coumadin) helps prevent further blood clotting while your body breaks down the clot. You may be treated without being hospitalized. Your doctor may also prescribe compression stockings for you to wear while you are up and about and encourage you to walk.
Causes
and risk factors of venous disorders
Heredity
Lack of exercise: Standing still or sitting down for long periods of time deactivate your muscular pumps, resulting in pooling of blood in the legs and increasingly swollen veins.
n Age: As we get older, the walls of the veins become less elastic and more prone to venous disorders.
n Tightly fitting clothing
n Wearing high-heeled shoes
n Obesity
n Alcohol consumption during flight
n Hot baths and excessive exposure to the sun
n Dehydration
n Pregnancy: During pregnancy, there are many hormonal changes in a woman’s body. These hormonal changes have profound effects on the veins, particularly they cause the volume of blood to increase nurturing the developing baby. Greater amounts of blood can stretch the vein and damage the valves. This can cause a number of venous
circulatory problems.
These include: swollen ankles, tired, aching legs, spider
veins or varicose veins.
n
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Maintain leg health during pregnancy
As the baby grows, the enlarged uterus applies pressure on the vena cava which returns blood to the
heart. This pressure can cause stasis and valve damage which results in swelling, leg discomfort and
even varicose veins.
A great way to keep your legs healthy and energized during pregnancy is to wear JOBST® gradient
compression hosiery. Gradient compression hosiery
provides
real benefits:
Compression hosiery helps relieve leg fatigue
and discomfort by helping to prevent the superficial veins from becoming distended with blood.
n
Compression hosiery helps reduce swelling by increasing the pressure in the tissue under the skin.
n
Tender loving care
for the mom-to-be
When resting, keep your legs elevated. This helps the blood return to your heart.
n Avoid standing for long periods.
n Follow the exercise plan recommended by your
doctor to improve blood flow in your legs.
n Don’t cross your legs while sitting, as this reduces your circulation.
n When traveling longer distances, be sure to stop frequently to stretch your legs and take a short walk.
n Wear JOBST® compression hosiery to energize your legs and improve your leg health.
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Travel can be tough on your legs
Whether you travel by plane, train, automobile,
or bus, any trip that lasts more than a few hours
could leave your legs swollen and achy. And if
you travel for a long period of time (5 hours or
more), the problem can become more serious.
Why is travel so hard on legs?
When you travel, you’re essentially confined to
your seat. Sitting in tight, cramped quarters for
long periods of time does not allow you
to stretch or exercise your leg muscles—the
muscles that are responsible for assisting the
venous blood flow back to your heart. As the
hours of inactivity add up, your circulation
slows down.
You may notice swelling, discomfort, or even
pain in your legs, ankles, or feet. The longer you
ride without exercising or stretching, the worse
you may feel.
But swollen and achy legs are just one part of
the problem. Travelers need to be aware of, and
take measures against, a more serious condition
called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Wear JOBST® compression stockings.
Whether your trip is long or short, JOBST® Compression Stockings will make the entire journey healthier and more comfortable.
Venous disorders:
How you can help yourself You can encourage blood flow by taking the
following steps:
1.Elevate feet and legs
n When resting, elevate your feet above your heart
n When sitting, rest your feet on a stool. Avoid crossing your legs, since this interferes with circulation
These actions help send the blood back toward
your heart and reduces swelling.
2.
Exercise daily
Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
n Improve your circulation by starting a daily regimen of walking, swimming or other aerobic exercises
n When sitting or standing, exercise your legs.
Wiggle your toes, flex your feet or tighten your calf muscles to improve blood flow
3.Wear gradient compression therapy daily.
JOBST® compression stockings are offered in a wide variety corresponding to all lifestyles of men and women.
Precision therapy with
gradient compression Gradient compression applies a measured amount of compression to your leg as the basis for management of venous conditions.
Gradient compression stockings apply the highest amount of pressure at the ankle and gradually decreases up the length of the stocking. This helps the blood in your veins to flow in the right direction – back toward your heart – even if your veins and valves are damaged.
Gradient compression therapy helps manage and prevent the progression of various vein-related diseases.
Individual treatment
Medical gradient compression stockings come in four different compression levels. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or recommend the right compression level to ensure medically effective management of your venous condition.
Lengths of compression stockings
Different stockings lengths are available, depending on the location of the damage to your veins. Lengths
range from knee high to waist high, designed for men
and women. In addition, there is a styledesigned specifically for pregnant women.
Knee High Thigh High Waist High Maternity
Chaps
Solutions for all
walks of life
JOBST® medical compression stockings come in a
variety of fashionable options for use in formal, casual
or active occassions. Each line offers a wide variety
of colors, sizes, styles and compres­sions to meet all
your leg health needs.
UltraSheer: Therapy meets fashion in stylish
gradient compression hosiery that is both beautifully sheer and medically effective. The
Sheerest in its class!
Opaque: Comfortable, medically effective year-round wear with a fashionable look and a soft feel that conceals blemishes, varicose veins and scars.
forMen: Effective therapy in a fine quality dress sock designed for business and casual occasions.
forMen Casual: Contemporary, relaxed design that delivers gradient compression therapy, yet can be worn every day.
ActiveWear: Effective leg therapy in an energizing athletic sock. Ideal for various activities, from walking to playing sports.
soSoft: Effective leg therapy in a fashionable
sock offered in brocade and ribbed pattern.
Benefiting from
compression therapy
Millions have discovered the benefits of compression therapy with JOBST® gradient compression stockings. The tips below help you get the best results:
Wear your gradient compression stockings every day.
n Put your hosiery on as soon as possible in the morning. They’ll be easier to put on and more comfortable to wear all day.
n Keep your legs and feet warm. This will help
promote good circulation.
n Keep your skin in good condition with non-oily lotion. Apply at bedtime.
n When traveling for long periods of time, be sure to get up and stretch, walk or move your feet for five minutes every hour.
n Hand or machine wash with warm water, mild soap or detergent (no chlorine). Rinse well. Lay flat to dry.
n With a few pairs, you can wear one, have one in the laundry and one in the drawer.
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Wearing JOBST® Stockings every day
It’s important to remember to wear
your JOBST® compression garments every
day. Wearing your JOBST® compression
garments will deliver the medical therapy
your physician recommends. The following tips will help you put on 
your garments easily:
Feet and legs should be completely dry.
Remove rings and jewelry that might snag your stockings.
n As you put on your stockings, don’t “gather” or “bunch up” the fabric in the foot. In a compression garment, this “bunching up” is like putting 100 rubber bands together. It’s difficult to slip your foot through the narrow opening.
n Use gloves to help create friction and provide grip.
n Spread the fabric evenly – working upward.
n Use a moisturizing cream after you take off your JOBST® stockings.
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How to put on your JOBST® stockings
Heel Pocket Out Method
11.Turn your stocking inside out by putting your hand inside the stocking, grasping the heel and pulling it inside out.
22.Open the stocking and slide your foot in until your toe and heel are positioned correctly.
33.Grasp the top of the stocking and pull up over your ankle and calf until in place.
1˝-2˝
JOBST® donning gloves help
you put on your JOBST® stockings
JOBST® Stocking Donner
11. Place your JOBST® stockings inside the semi-circle frame and pull the top on the stocking down over the semi-circle. The heel of the stocking must face the back of donner.
22.Continue to slide the stocking down over the semi-circle until the heel is centered and even with the top of the semi-circle.
33.While sitting or standing (which ever is more comfortable), insert your foot into the stocking until your foot is on the floor.
44.Grasp the padded handles and gently pull the JOBST® Stocking Donner with
the stocking up toward you.
Continue this upward movement until the stocking is above the calf.
55.Once the donner is free of the stocking, put it aside.
66.Be sure the heel of the stocking is positioned correctly on the foot. Then adjust the length and smooth out any wrinkles by stroking with the palm of your hands.
Contraindications
JOBST® Medical Legwear and Custom-made should
not be worn if patients have any of the following conditions:
n ischemia
n uncontrolled congestive heart failure
n severe arterial insufficiency
n untreated septic phlebitis
n phlegmasia coerulea dolens
Cautions
Consult your physician for advice if you have
or experience:
n skin infections
n weeping dermatoses
n incompatibility with garment fabric
n impaired sensitivity of limb
n immobility
52571CA R2
To learn more about
JOBST® Compression Stockings
call: 1-877-978-5526
BSN Medical Inc.
4455 Autoroute Laval West, Suite 255
Laval (QC) Canada • H7P 4W6
Tel. 1-877-978-5526
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