The COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent lockdown have significantly changed lifestyles. Work from home and reduced physical activity are the most notable changes, and the opportunities to move around and give your legs a workout are rare.
You can’t go to the gym, can’t go out for a jog whenever the mood strikes, and spend most of the time sitting at home. If you aren’t working, you’re probably binge-watching your favorite shows on Netflix or giving in to your junk food cravings.
The good news is that you aren’t alone. The bad news is that all the sitting around the house is bad for your health, including your veins.
The Effects of Extended Sitting on Vein Health
Prolonged standing or sitting exerts a lot of pressure on the veins in your legs, making them weak or damaging them. Your veins have tiny valves that open and close rapidly to keep the blood flowing in one direction. These valves work against gravity to push the blood back to your heart.
When you sit for long periods without stretching or elevating your legs, the blood flow is interrupted or blocked, causing the blood to pool in the lower part of your body. This causes vein issues like chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and swollen legs.
Preventing the Negative Effects of Prolonged Sitting with Compression Stockings
The best thing to ensure good vein health is keeping your legs elevated whenever possible and moving every couple of hours. However, compression stockings are the answer to your vein troubles if you don’t have the time or inclination to work out regularly.
Made with durable and stretchy fabric, compression stockings gently, but firmly, squeeze leg veins and provide the extra push needed to maintain healthy blood flow. The best thing about compression stockings is that you can wear them while you work and reduce your risk of varicose veins.
Choosing The Right Compression Stockings
Compression stockings aren’t only for people with prior vein issues. Anyone who’s seen a drop in their physical 
activity or finds themselves sitting or standing for hours can use these to maintain proper blood flow in the legs.
Compression stockings come in a variety of sizes, strengths, and styles. Choosing the right one depends on the severity of your vein condition, your history with blood clots, and your level of activity.
Choosing The Right Strength
Low or medium strength compression stockings can be found at any drugstore or medical supply store. They are perfect for daily use, and you can even wear them while traveling.
If you need firmer compression stockings for painful vein conditions and frequent swelling in the feet and ankles, you need a doctor’s prescription.
Choosing The Right Size
The size stockings size depends on your body type and what areas of the leg you want to focus on. This is determined by looking for swelling in the legs. Most people are comfortable with compression stockings that only reach the ankles or knees. However, you can also get compression stockings that extend to your thighs or waist.
Reach Out to Our Vein Specialists in New York:
Before you purchase compression stockings, you should consult a professional vein specialist to evaluate your vein condition. They can help you choose the right strength and size of compression stockings that suits your needs.
Varicose Veins Doctors New York provides professional vascular treatments and expert vein evaluation using state-of-the-art technology. Our certified vein specialists can advise you on the best way to address the symptoms you are experiencing and suitable treatments, such as wearing compression stockings.
We are committed to providing the best possible care to our patients amid the pandemic and follow strict SOPs to ensure their safety. Call us at 212-906-9111 today to schedule a vein assessment appointment!
