Venous therapy

Compression is a must

Compression treatment, disease-modifying treatment

Compression therapy is considered the basic form of treatment for venous diseases. It mainly affects the rheological factors. It helps prevent vein-induced symptoms and complications.

Compression treatment acts to:

  • eliminate venous congestion by accelerating venous return
  • restore the functionality of insufficient venous valves as the externally exerted pressure constricts the venous volume
  • decongest the surrounding tissues and transport the accumulated metabolic waste and interstitial fluid away

Compression therapy also prevents:

  • renewed oedema formation
  • thrombosis formation and subsequent pulmonary embolism, because a thrombus is prevented from being dislodged by the compression pressure and can even regress or dissolve completely.

In this section you will find information about the successes that can be achieved by the consistent use of medical compression garments for individual indications. You can also learn more about the use of mediven compression garments for certain indications.

Here you will find more information about our medi compression garments for treating veins.

Helpful tips for your patients

Whether exercises or helpful hints for day to day life – we have compiled this information especially for your patients.

90 percent of the adult population in Germany show changes in their leg veins. Medical compression garments form the basis for the treatment of venous diseases. They help patients by ensuring that the venous valves close again. During your patient consultations, give them tips and hints about their treatment.

Tips for diet and clothing

Your patients can take the pressure off their venous system with a diet rich in roughage (for example, fruit, vegetables, wholemeal products or raw vegetables and salads) and plenty of fluids. An adult should drink at least two litres every day (for example, unsweetened tea or water) – particularly during the warm months.

Tell your patients about the right footwear. Flat heels whenever possible and flexible soles are ideal. Walking barefoot is also very healthy. With regard to clothing, please tell your patients that this shouldn't be too tight. They should pay particular attention to avoiding constriction in the pelvic and hip regions.

Tips for day to day life and work

Patients can also help stay healthy in day to day life and at work.

Avoid heavy lifting

Heavy lifting, for example, when doing the shopping, presses the blood back down and puts additional strain on the veins. So patients should avoid heavy lifting. A shopping trolley is useful when heavy lifting is unavoidable (for instance heavy shopping).

Sit properly

For activities and work that involve sitting down for long periods of time, make sure that the thighs bear as little weight as possible while sitting. Also don't let the feet dangle in the air.

Climb stairs

Advise your patients to take the stairs instead of the lift whenever the opportunity arises. This form of exercise for the veins supports the calf's muscle pump.

Run on the spot

If your patients work standing up, tell them run on the spot from time to time. That way, they can carry on working and still relieve the stress on their veins.

 

You will find more information about good health and work in our healthcare section.

Tips for leisure time

Patients will certainly be grateful to you for tips and hints on how to organise their leisure activities to help their veins.

You will be able to advise your patients on what sports are suitable for them, on how to rest properly and on which exercises they should do.

Sports

Recommend smooth, rhythmic exercises and sports: hiking, walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, cross-country skiing. Sports with abrupt changes in direction and movement, such as athletic sports, martial arts, skiing and snowboarding as well as ball sports, are less suitable.

Resting phases

Make sure your patients know just how important proper relaxation and sleep are. Patients should elevate their legs (about 6 inches above the heart) during their breaks.

Heat and veins

Warmth and heat can mean added stress for the venous system. Warmth causes the veins to distend even further, which makes it more difficult for return venous flow.

You will find more information about sports and leisure activities in our healthcare section.

Please give your patients the following advice:

  • Avoid hot full baths. The better alternative is to shower off the legs with cold water. This causes the veins to contract again, which boosts the return transport of blood back to the heart.
  • Sunbathing also means added stress for the venous system. So advise your patients to relax in the shade instead. Walking barefoot in cold water also relieves the strain on the venous system.
  • There are no objections to a sauna or thermal baths. But do tell your patients how often you think such visits are sensible.

You will find more tips and hints for a healthy lifestyle in our health portal.

Show source

1 Rabe, E., et al. (2003): Bonn Vein Study conducted by the German Society for Phlebology, in: Phlebologie, Vol. 32, p. 1-28.