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Program Goals:
- Prevent the occurrence, recurrence and progression of varicose veins, spider veins and the symptoms of venous insufficiency (bulging veins, aching and discomfort in the leg, leg heaviness and fatigue, inflammation and leg pain).
- Prevent the occurrence and progression of the symptoms of leg edema (enlarged ankles and calf, discomfort or tired legs, discomfort or tired legs and decreased mobility).
- Prevent the appearance, progression and symptoms of venous leg ulcers (swelling of the ankle and lower leg, dermatitis, purple or brown discolouration of the skin around and above the ankles, and open skin with moderate to heavy drainage).
- Prevent the occurrence and symptoms of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) [sudden swelling in the leg, painful or tender leg, skin that is warm to the touch].
- Prevention the occurrence of travel thrombosis or “Economy Class Syndrome”.
- Provide the most recent updates on research in venous disease.
The Vein Institute of Toronto Program
- Utilize gradient compression therapy and medical compression stockings based on each patient’s individual needs and requirements.
- Provide a limited exercise program to improve leg venous circulation and limit the risk factors for leg venous disease.
- Outline activities that improve leg venous circulation and decrease the risk factors for venous insufficiency and venous thrombosis.
If you would like to be enrolled in our Leg Wellness or Vein Preventative Program, please call our office at 416-929-0834 or 1-866-412-1151
The Vein Institute of Toronto Program
Effects:
- Gradient compression is highest at the ankle tapering off up the leg. This helps promote blood flow in the legs.
- Compression is believed to increase the pressure in the tissues beneath the skin thus reducing excess leakage of fluid from the capillaries and increasing absorption of tissue fluid by the capillaries and lymphatic vessels. Compression therefore reduces and helps prevent swelling and the secondary effects of venous insufficiency such as varicose veins and venous ulcers.
- The physical presence of the stocking also helps control the size (diameter) of superficial veins beneath the stocking. The stocking does not allow these superficial veins to over expand with blood. This action helps prevent "pooling". The venous blood then flows more quickly up the leg towards the heart. This helps to reduce the risk of superficial or deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
Our Daily Ideal Gradient Compression Therapy Protocol:
Wear properly fitted 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings from first thing in the morning till going to bed a night. For women we would recommend either pantyhose, thigh high or knee high 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings. For men we would recommend knee high 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings. Replace medical compression stockings every six months in order to ensure the pressure of the elastic pump is maintained. Always ensure your medical compression stockings are correctly fitted for you size along with wearing the correct compression in order to have a beneficial effect.
Our Compromise Gradient Compression Therapy Protocol:
Wear properly fitted 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings when you anticipate you will be standing for continuous period of greater than 2 hours. For women we would recommend either pantyhose, thigh high or knee high 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings. For men we would recommend knee high 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings. Replace medical compression stockings every six months in order to ensure the pressure of the elastic pump is maintained. Always ensure your medical compression stockings are correctly fitted for you size along with wearing the correct compression in order to have a beneficial effect.
Our Travel Gradient Compression Therapy Protocol:
Wear properly fitted 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings when you anticipate you will be traveling for a period of greater than 2 hours by car, bus, train or air. For women we would recommend either pantyhose, thigh high or knee high 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings. For men we would recommend knee high 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings. Replace medical compression stockings every six months in order to ensure the pressure of the elastic pump is maintained. Always ensure your medical compression stockings are correctly fitted for you size along with wearing the correct compression in order to have a beneficial effect.
Our Suggested Limited Exercise Program:
Goals:
To improve venous leg circulation and limit congestion of blood in the legs.
Exercise Routine:
- Sit on the floor, draw up your legs towards your chest and press your knees outwards onto the floor with the help of your arms.
- Sit on the floor, draw up your legs towards your chest and straighten them so that they do no touch the floor.
- Stand up straight, arms forward, raise yourself onto your toes and lower yourself again until the foot sole is back on the floor. Repeat in a rhythmic movement.
- Lie on your back, elevate your legs towards the ceiling and support your hips with your arms. Then cycle with your legs in the air.
Our Suggested Activity Program to Improve Venous Leg Circulation:
Suggested Activities:
- It is preferable to lie down or walk than sit or stand.
- Exercise by going walking, running, swimming or bicycling every day or every other day improves the strength of the muscle pumps in your calf and improves venous circulation.
- Try to avoid hot baths, sun bathing, tight shoes, high heels and tight constrictive clothing.
- When resting elevate your feet above your heart. When sitting rest your feet on a ottoman or stool. Avoid crossing your legs as this interferes with your leg venous circulation. These actions help send the blood back towards your heart and reduce swelling.
- Keep your legs and feet warm. This promotes good circulation.
Prevention of Travel Induced Venous Thrombosis or “Economy Class Syndrome”
Background:
- When your movement is restricted, as during long plane flights, the blood flow in your legs can decrease. This decrease in circulation or blood flow can lead to thrombosis or clot.
- This condition can occur without symptoms being present and can be harmful to your veins. In some cases a piece of clot can dislodge and become a embolus to the lungs leading to pulmonary embolism; a potentially fatal health threat.
- Recent studies have shown that thrombosis can occur in up to 10% of long haul airline travelers. The risk of thrombosis extends beyond that of airline travel. Long bus, train, or car rides can also increase the risk of thrombosis.
Preventative Methods:
- Wear properly fitted 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings when you anticipate you will be traveling for a period of greater than 2 hours by car, bus, train or air. For women we would recommend either pantyhose, thigh high or knee high 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings. For men we would recommend knee high 20-30 mm Hg medical compression stockings. Replace medical compression stockings every six months in order to ensure the pressure of the elastic pump is maintained. Always ensure your medical compression stockings are correctly fitted for you size along with wearing the correct compression in order to have a beneficial effect.
- Do not cross your legs while sitting.
- Elevate your legs and avoid bending them too much at the knees.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Every ten minutes, flex your toes and feet so that you feel tension in your calf muscle.
- Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. Do not drink alcohol or coffee.
- Whenever it is possible and safe to do so, get out of your seat and walk for five minutes.
Call 416-929-0834 for a Complimentary Physician Consultation