What is a one-sentence summary of the following article?
Leg pain and/or swelling can be uncomfortable to live with, and compression stockings might make your legs feel better. Talk with your doctor to see if this option will reduce your discomfort. If you have poor blood flow in your legs, compression stockings are not the right choice. Your doctor will check to see if you have varicose veins, venous leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a deep vein), or lymphedema (leg swelling). If one of these conditions is present, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings for you. You may need to wear compression stockings daily for up to two years. Almost one-third of pregnant women will develop varicose veins, which are veins typically in the legs and feet that have enlarged because of increased pressure in your veins. Wearing compression stockings can make your legs more comfortable and will promote blood circulation. Ask your doctor if compression stockings will help your condition. In some cases, compression stockings will be prescribed for patients post-surgery to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), or the formation of blood clots in your veins. If your post-surgery recovery restricts your mobility or requires extended bed rest, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings. While research about the health benefits of wearing compression stockings during exercise is mixed, recovery time after exercising is decreased as blood flow is improved. Many runners and other athletes now wear compression stockings either during exercise or afterwards. It is up to you whether you find them comfortable enough to wear. These are usually sold as compression socks, and are available at sporting goods stores and other athletic supply stores.
Talk to your doctor if you have leg pain or swelling. Wear compression stockings if you have reduced blood flow in your legs. Wear compression stockings if you develop varicose veins while pregnant. Wear compression stockings after surgery. Try compression stockings after exercising.