Acute and long-term effect of elastic stockings in patients with varicose veins

The acute and long-term effect of elastic stockings has been evaluated in 20 patients (20 limbs) with grade 2 venous disease. The sites of venous reflux were determined with colour flow duplex scanning. Air Plethysmography was used to measure the amount of venous reflux and the ejecting capacity of the calf muscle pump. The patients were classified in to two different groups, A and B. Both groups of patients wore elastic stockings for four weeks. In group A (no. = 9) the measurements were done before, during and one day after the removal of the stockings, whereas in group B (no. = 11) the last measurements were done immediately after the removal of the stockings. Patients that showed improvement in their haemodynamics were re-examined a week later. Elastic compression appeared to be beneficial in both groups. The application of the elastic stockings improved reflux and the residual volume fraction in both groups and the ejecting capacity of the calf muscle pump in group B. Immediately after the removal of the stockings (Group B) all the measurements regressed to the initial values with the exemption of the residual volume fraction. However, one week later, the latter also regressed to the original value. It is concluded that the beneficial effect of elastic stockings on the venous haemodynamics is present mainly when the stockings are worn. It is completely abolished within a day after their removal.