Compression Compression has many benefits for patients with venous disease. It reduces the diameter of the veins, thereby increasing flow velocity and decreasing the chance of thrombosis. It also activates the fibrinolytic activity in the blood, with the same result. It reduces filtration of fluid out of the intravascular space and improves lymphatic flow, thereby reducing edema. Graduated compression reduces reflux and improves venous outflow, thus decreasing venous pressure at rest and with ambulation.
Compression is also anti-inflammatory, yielding improvement in pain and swelling.
Some of these effects last for a period of time after the compression is removed. Each has its place in the treatment of venous disease and may be found to be complementary in a given patient. Elastic compression is generally easy to apply, and is now available in very aesthetically acceptable forms. For patients with symptoms such as aching or pain due to telangiectatic veins, varicose veins, or chronic venous insufficiency, elastic compression stockings may reduce the severity of their symptoms and retard the progression of their disease. However, it must be recognized that some patients will actually be harmed, even if stockings are not fit properly.