Any tips from fellow sufferers from vein problems?

[Roma247]

Varicose veins run in my family. So far I have evaded this, but in recent years I have begun to have minor problems with the veins in my ankles throbbing and becoming unbearably itchy after several long days on my feet. I have tried light compression knee-highs, but they tend to make my toes cold and tingly, and cause major discomfort at the top where they end.

So I have found over the past year or so that wearing compression leggings instead (the kind women wear for workouts, not the heavy duty compression stockings prescribed for varicose veins) is enough to keep my veins in check. I have been training since January while wearing these, and have had no problems. However, being old-fashioned, I don't feel comfortable wearing just leggings in public; I usually wear either a very long shirt, or a skirt or shorts over them for modesty's sake.

I guess being overly optimistic, and not wanting to wear too many layers in the heat of the summer Camino, I was hoping to be able to just wear a Macabi skirt along with merino shirts, underthings, socks, etc. Besides, I really need the pockets! But now that I've stopped wearing my compression leggings while walking, I'm starting to have problems with those veins again.

So now I'm not sure what to do. I have my entire kit ready, gleefully just a hair over 12 lbs, and I leave in 2 weeks. But it's looking like I have to completely rethink. Walking all day for upwards of 33 days without some sort of lightweight compression on my legs is clearly unwise. As far as I can tell, here are my options:

1. Wear my compression leggings under my Macabi. But I can't imagine that I won't roast this way. Perhaps take them off during the worst heat of the day, when I get too hot?
2. Wear just my compression leggings and ditch the Macabi. But then I have no pockets, and my shirts aren't long enough to make me comfortable without adding shorts or something on top. Again, heat and layers...
3. Find some other lightweight option to add some compression under my Macabi without adding heat or losing the combination of silk liners and darn tough merino socks that has worked best for me in avoiding blisters.

Are there any fellow sufferers of vein problems who can speak to how their legs did on the Camino? Any recommendations for lightweight compression items that won't make me sweat to death or contribute to blisters?

 

[gordon1]

Varicose veins run in my family. So far I have evaded this, but in recent years I have begun to have minor problems with the veins in my ankles throbbing and becoming unbearably itchy after several long days on my feet. I have tried light compression knee-highs, but they tend to make my toes cold and tingly, and cause major discomfort at the top where they end.

So I have found over the past year or so that wearing compression leggings instead (the kind women wear for workouts, not the heavy duty compression stockings prescribed for varicose veins) is enough to keep my veins in check. I have been training since January while wearing these, and have had no problems. However, being old-fashioned, I don't feel comfortable wearing just leggings in public; I usually wear either a very long shirt, or a skirt or shorts over them for modesty's sake.

I guess being overly optimistic, and not wanting to wear too many layers in the heat of the summer Camino, I was hoping to be able to just wear a Macabi skirt along with merino shirts, underthings, socks, etc. Besides, I really need the pockets! But now that I've stopped wearing my compression leggings while walking, I'm starting to have problems with those veins again.

So now I'm not sure what to do. I have my entire kit ready, gleefully just a hair over 12 lbs, and I leave in 2 weeks. But it's looking like I have to completely rethink. Walking all day for upwards of 33 days without some sort of lightweight compression on my legs is clearly unwise. As far as I can tell, here are my options:

1. Wear my compression leggings under my Macabi. But I can't imagine that I won't roast this way. Perhaps take them off during the worst heat of the day, when I get too hot?
2. Wear just my compression leggings and ditch the Macabi. But then I have no pockets, and my shirts aren't long enough to make me comfortable without adding shorts or something on top. Again, heat and layers...
3. Find some other lightweight option to add some compression under my Macabi without adding heat or losing the combination of silk liners and darn tough merino socks that has worked best for me in avoiding blisters.

Are there any fellow sufferers of vein problems who can speak to how their legs did on the Camino? Any recommendations for lightweight compression items that won't make me sweat to death or contribute to blisters?

Hello Firstly I am not a doctor,but have had vein problems most of my life. So to start,the walking is good for your circulation. But wearing support stockings will help greatly. You have not said ,and I am not asking your age but do you walk and wear support on a regular basis. Diet can help and a massive NO. Is salt. You will not see any improvement quickly when you put all changed together but when you stop the stockings the problem.will return.

 

[SabsP]

Best is to consult your GP or a specialist.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

How about having your Macabi skirt cut down to knee length and hemmed, and wear the leggings underneath? It would be less weight and be cooler with the leggings, but you wouldn't be forfeiting the pockets.

 

[K_Lynn]

Purple Rain Adventure skirts are incredibly lightweight and knee length, I sometimes wear them over leggings (both capri and ankle length). Two pockets on each side. I have a couple of their skirts and I love them. They're pretty quick with delivery, but as you're leaving in a couple of weeks I'd email to see if they could expedite it.

 

[Roma247]

Best is to consult your GP or a specialist.

Agreed, however I won't be able to consult with him before I leave. No appointments available.

What I principally need at this point is to know if anyone has had any luck finding compression leggings that are breathable enough for the summer heat... :/

 

[Gringazolana]

Compression stockings are my best friend and constant companion for the last couple decades (multiple vein surgeries in both legs). They are available in different strengths and usually require a prescription, unless you get them online (maybe Amazon?). You can get them with open toe or closed toe, knee high or mid-calf (or the pantyhose kind, which are truly evil!). They are available in different materials, also. My favorite combo includes closed-toe knee high 30-40 strength stockings under “medium-firm” wool compression knee highs with fun designs on them. I think you probably want to get compression on your feet and ankles, instead of just the rest of the leg. So my (non-medical person) advice would be get compression socks and/or stockings instead of hot leggings. Buen Camino!

 

[gloria lowe]

As someone who wears compression leggings 18 hrs a day everyday just wear a pair of lightweight hiking/ cargo pants over them. Amazon has many choices. I wear medical strength ones but they have good lighter weight such as Bioflect ones. Mine are high rise waist with no toes. I live in ARIZONA where it is hot as hell in the summer. I didn’t used to wear them under shorts but they decrease the pain and swelling so much that I decided I don’t care how they look it’s about my comfort. Good luck.

 

[Joynz]

How about having your Macabi skirt cut down to knee length and hemmed, and wear the leggings underneath? It would be less weight and be cooler with the leggings, but you wouldn't be forfeiting the pockets.

Varicose veins run in my family. So far I have evaded this, but in recent years I have begun to have minor problems with the veins in my ankles throbbing and becoming unbearably itchy after several long days on my feet. I have tried light compression knee-highs, but they tend to make my toes cold and tingly, and cause major discomfort at the top where they end.

So I have found over the past year or so that wearing compression leggings instead (the kind women wear for workouts, not the heavy duty compression stockings prescribed for varicose veins) is enough to keep my veins in check. I have been training since January while wearing these, and have had no problems. However, being old-fashioned, I don't feel comfortable wearing just leggings in public; I usually wear either a very long shirt, or a skirt or shorts over them for modesty's sake.

I guess being overly optimistic, and not wanting to wear too many layers in the heat of the summer Camino, I was hoping to be able to just wear a Macabi skirt along with merino shirts, underthings, socks, etc. Besides, I really need the pockets! But now that I've stopped wearing my compression leggings while walking, I'm starting to have problems with those veins again.

So now I'm not sure what to do. I have my entire kit ready, gleefully just a hair over 12 lbs, and I leave in 2 weeks. But it's looking like I have to completely rethink. Walking all day for upwards of 33 days without some sort of lightweight compression on my legs is clearly unwise. As far as I can tell, here are my options:

1. Wear my compression leggings under my Macabi. But I can't imagine that I won't roast this way. Perhaps take them off during the worst heat of the day, when I get too hot?
2. Wear just my compression leggings and ditch the Macabi. But then I have no pockets, and my shirts aren't long enough to make me comfortable without adding shorts or something on top. Again, heat and layers...
3. Find some other lightweight option to add some compression under my Macabi without adding heat or losing the combination of silk liners and darn tough merino socks that has worked best for me in avoiding blisters.

Are there any fellow sufferers of vein problems who can speak to how their legs did on the Camino? Any recommendations for lightweight compression items that won't make me sweat to death or contribute to blisters?

I don’t think blisters on your calves are a ‘thing’. Just bring the macabi skirt and the compression tights that work for you. The macabi skirts are very airy so shouldn’t e too hot. Or roll up the skirt - this is a macabi shirt feature.

In the long-term (after the Camino) why not have the veins removed?

 

[Roma247]

Thank you to everyone for your replies. After much hand-wringing, I thought I would post a follow up in case anyone else has this concern and finds this thread looking for answers.

I finally found these leggings:
https://www.foryourlegs.com/products/therafirmlight-womens-tights-10-15-footless?variant=40404577976389

They may not offer enough compression for those with more serious vein issues, but now that I have been wearing them the past 4 days during my training walks, I can attest that the fabric they are made from is lightweight and actually cooling instead of stifling.

Combined with the suggestion to utilize the features of the Macabi skirt--that is, by using the side snaps to hike up the skirt on the sides, I am able to get enough airflow on my legs that, combined with the Coolmax fabric, I have been able to walk many miles in 80 degree humid heat without any more trouble than if I were wearing any other long pants.

So I am pretty hopeful that this problem is solved...If I remember, I will try to post back after I finish my Camino in late July, to report on how they worked out...