Do you experience swelling in your legs and feet? Do your legs feel heavy or tired at the end of the day? You may be experiencing peripheral edema and this may be caused by a condition known as venous stasis. Venous stasis occurs when the veins in your legs are not functioning properly, this allows blood to collect and pool in your feet, ankles, and legs. Like all veins in your body, the superficial veins in your legs have valves, and when they are damaged this can lead to varicose veins. Some of the most common causes of valve insufficiency are chronic pain cycle, lymphedema, injury, and blood clots. Varicose veins are usually visible and prominent on the lower legs, ankles, or feet; they appear as dilated, sometimes twisted veins and are sometimes purple or red. It is important to note that not all swelling or discomfort around the heel or ankle is related to venous issues, as other conditions such as haglund’s deformity can cause localized swelling for different reasons. When they involve the smaller veins in the skin, they are called spider veins. The most common symptoms associated with venous stasis are aching, fullness, and tiredness within the legs. More often than not, these symptoms are alleviated upon sitting with the feet elevated. 
Treatment for this condition should be implemented right away because chronic venous stasis can lead to a skin condition known as venous stasis dermatitis. This is caused by red blood cells which escape from the veins and stain the skin from within, appearing reddish-brown on the skin surface. If venous stasis dermatitis continues for too long without being treated, further complications can occur, such as ulcerations. These are sores or a breakdown of the skin surface secondary to the prolonged venous stasis. There is always a risk that these ulcers can become infected, which would then need to be treated with antibiotics.
The most common treatment options for venous stasis are elevation and compression socks or stockings. If elevating your feet does not improve your condition, it might be beneficial to try the compression stockings option which are a more effective form of treatment. Compressive stockings come in various sizes, lengths, and strengths. The degree of swelling and location of your edema will indicate which type of stocking will be most appropriate for you. If you have swelling extending above your knee, a thigh high elastic stocking might be necessary. Some popular compression stocking companies include: Jobst, Sigvaris, Medi, Juzo, and Activa.
Most pharmacies will sell over-the-counter elastic stockings, which do not require a prescription from the podiatrist. However, it should be noted that these compressive stocking strengths start at 8-15 mmHg of compression and may only reach up to 30 mmHg of compression with select styles. If the edema is not managed or improved with OTC stockings, a prescription may be required in order to obtain medical grade compressive stockings from your podiatrist. The medical grade stockings typically begin at 30-40 mmHg of compression and are designed for moderate to severe venous diseases including lymphedema. Another benefit of medical grade compressive stockings prescribed by your doctor is that they can be customized to your legs and your specific condition. This allows for adequate, equal compression to your lower limbs without squeezing too tightly or being too loose.
If you suffer from chronic venous stasis or insufficiency, do not hesitate to seek the medical expertise of your podiatrist: He or she will know the proper compressive stocking that will best suit your body and condition.