According to the Vascular Disease Foundation, "A large U.S. survey, the Framingham study, reported that 27 percent of the American adult population had some form of venous disease in their legs. It is estimated that at least 20 to 25 million Americans have varicose veins."
Symptoms of CVD include:
A feeling of discomfort in your legs may be a sign of an underlying venous disorder. These symptoms include tired and achy legs. You may experience them especially when sitting or standing for prolonged hours.
Your physician can help determine your underlying condition and determine the correct treatment for you.
We can all benefit from compression therapy, although some of us more so than others. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time may result in many symptoms, leg cramping, leg fatigue, aching heavy legs being some of the more moderate ones. When referring to pressure in the body, it is always measured in millimeters of mercury mmHg. The amount of pressure on your legs differs when walking, standing in one position, and sitting. As this pressure is exerted on the legs it causes inflammation and stretching of the vein walls and eventual wear and tear of the valves of the legs.
The venous muscle pump is an important concept when talking about compression therapy. Movement causes the muscles in our legs to contract, which compresses the veins forcing the blood to flow back to the heart. When the muscles are relaxed, the veins fill up again. The valves in our legs help to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. This combined with the muscle contraction is referred to as the venous muscle pump. Over time, the pressure exerted on our legs can prevent the valves from closing properly, resulting in a backflow and pooling of fluid in the ankles.
Compression garments helps to alleviate the problem by acting as a layer of muscle by gently squeezing the stretched walls together and assisting the valves to close, thereby improving overall circulation. To be most effective the stockings should be of a graduated compression whereby the strongest compression is at the ankles and gradually lessons as it moves up the leg helping with venous return and decreasing venous pressure.
Compression garments are used to treat both venous and lymphatic disorders in ambulatory patients.
Venous insufficiency is caused by a series of disorders in the vein including when the valves of the veins fail to function properly. This interferes with venous return and causes blood to pool in the veins. Venous insufficiency can become more chronic and lead to spider veins, varicose veins, phlebitis, blood clots, and changes in the skin. The most serious disorder is a venous leg ulcer. Chronic Venous Disorders (CVD) is a collective term used to describe a long-standing condition involving impaired venous return in varying degrees of severity.
Spider veins: Those are small, dilated superficial veins (also known as telangiectasia). They may be located in different areas of the leg. When found on thighs, they mostly represent just an esthetic problem. However, when located at the ankle, they may represent a serious venous insufficiency. A visit to your physician can detect a possible venous insufficiency. And finally, for esthetic reasons, spider veins can be removed by various simple procedures. After this treatment, 20 to 30 mmHg SIGVARIS compression stockings have proven to help maintain results.
Varicose veins: Varicose veins are the sign of a more serious venous disease. A varicose vein is a dilated and tortuous superficial vein with defective valves. As a result, the blood in these veins flows backward. This condition is known as blood reflux. Varicose veins can be painful, or on the contrary totally painless. We can find them on the foot, the calf, the thigh or on the entire leg. If not treated varicose veins can lead to serious complications. SIGVARIS MEDICAL compression stockings help to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Edema: Edema is the medical term for swelling. The edema of the foot and the ankle occurs when the blood stagnates in the superficial and deep veins in the lower part of the leg. The capillaries can no longer play their role. Water and waste build up in the skin in the lower leg and induce a venous edema (swelling of the foot and the ankle). However, not all edemas are of venous origin. Consult your physician for a proper diagnosis. Wearing compression stocking will reduce or completely eliminate edema. The pressure required will be determined by the physician as it depends on the underlying condition.
On the other hand, lymphatic disorders involve the lymphatic system.
Your lymphatic system is crucial to keeping your body healthy. It circulates protein-rich lymph fluid throughout your body, while collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. This system carries fluid and harmful substances through your lymph vessels, which lead to lymph nodes. The wastes are then filtered out by lymphocytes — infection-fighting cells that live in your lymph nodes — and ultimately flushed from your body. Lymphedema occurs when there is a blockage or break in your lymphatic system so your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg.
Any condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels can cause lymphedema. Causes include:
While there is presently no cure for lymphedema, it can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care of your affected limb.
While many benefit from compression there are those who should not wear them. That includes those diagnosed with:
Compression therapy for these individuals should only be considered if the medical team decides that the benefits outweigh the risks.
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2 years ago
Top notch service.
2 years ago
I've been coming to this Pharmacy for many years. They staff are good and always help me out.
2 years ago
The staff are friendly and helpful. I like their range of face masks. The kids ones are very cute and my daughter loves them.
3 years ago
Great staff fast and reliable.
3 years ago
Service is excellent. They are very helpful and they do respond to messages.
3 years ago
Been going here for over 15 years. Small town feel in the city. Pharmacists treat you as actual humans are super friendly and kind. Always willing to go the extra mile to get info on drugs or contact your doctor. Michelle is incredible, she is awesome. Can’t imagine ever going to a big box store pharmacy after coming here.
3 years ago
Knowledgeable and caring staff
3 years ago
This is by far the BEST Pharmacy I have ever had! They are friendly, personable, and very caring! It feels like home walking in, from the moment they greet you to the moment you walk out, they are compassionate while serving you with quick & pleasant customer service. If I ever move from the area I will continue to come to this Pharmacy as it has always been a pleasant experience! Thank you for caring, remembering your clients and doing what you do!!
3 years ago
What a nice bunch if people...very helpful..very knowledgeable...I would highly recommend this pharmacy!! Happy Shopping
3 years ago
Fantastic service, very kind and knowledgeable staff, all with the highest level of professionalism. Couldn’t be happier having these folks look after me and all my medication needs for the past 15 yrs. The Loyalty points are also a great bonus! Highly recommend this pharmacy!
3 years ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
Munroe pharmacy feels like a small town pharmacy where your treated with the up most care. They go above and beyond customer service.
5 years ago
They are the most caring and helpful Pharmacy people that I have ever met!
6 years ago
Michelle, Holly, Crysanne and the rest of the team never waver in providing among the very best costumer service anywhere, anytime.
6 years ago
The most helpful and compassionate people I have ever met!! So glad that I made the switch to this family pharmacy! Thank you everyone for being so incredibly helpful!
6 years ago
6 years ago
I like this pharmacy very good people very Friendly and guide you perfectly. And i like the points card too its awesome.
6 years ago
7 years ago
Very helpful always friendly is recommend this place for your pharmaceutical needs
7 years ago
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8 years ago
Pharmacists are friendly and helpful.
10 years ago
Thumbs Up! Munroe Pharmacy