Copper Compression Socks for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Published
August 24 2017
Varicose veins and spider veins affect anywhere from 30% to 60% of all adults, with more women affected than men. While they don’t normally cause significant health problems, people often seek medical advice because they’re unhappy with how these conditions affect their appearance or comfort.
What Are Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

The main symptoms of these conditions include:
- Bulging veins
- Aching or cramping pain
- Tired/heavy legs
- Swollen ankles
- Restless legs
- Night cramps
- Itching or burning
- Throbbing or tingling
In severe cases, varicose veins may cause complications like:
- Oedema
- Pigmentation
- Ulceration
- Inflammation
- Thrombophlebitis, or blood clots
What Causes Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?
Varicose veins occur due to a condition known as venous insufficiency. Our heart pumps blood throughout our bodies through a system of veins and arteries. Arteries move fresh blood to different parts of the body, while veins carry it back to the heart. The relaxation and contraction of muscles helps the blood move where it needs to go. Veins also contain valves to stop blood from flowing back into them. Venous insufficiency is when these valves are damaged or not working correctly, causing blood to pool and collect in our veins. This causes them to bulge outward, particularly in the legs where the weakened valves cannot fight the force of gravity.The following factors may affect your likelihood of getting varicose veins or spider veins:
- Heredity
- Obesity
- Blood clotting disorders
- Long periods of standing, e.g. if you’re a nurse or teacher
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
- Hormonal replacement therapy, birth control pills and other medication
- Increased abdominal pressure from constipation, tumours, tight garments, etc.
- Skin trauma/injury
- Vein surgery
- UV exposure
How Does Copper-Infused Compression Apparel Help?
One of the most common treatment options is the use of compression garments, particularly compression socks. These apply graduated pressure to help blood flow back to the heart. Compression will normally be highest near the ankle and reduce as you go up the length of the sock. By forcing blood to move back toward the heart, compression socks help improve circulation in your legs. Copper-infused compression socks also promote better thermal regulation and healing, reduce inflammation and combat infection-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses. Since they’re anti-microbial, they help with odour prevention as well.