”Minimally invasive stripping + electrocoagulation” surgery can effectively reduce many symptoms of varicose veins in the lower extremities, but patients may also have some small concerns, such as is it normal to have pain and soreness after surgery? Is it impossible to take a shower with a wound? Why do I need to wear bandages and elastic stockings? Do you have to do any rehabilitation exercises after surgery? Today, we will answer these doubts. Slight post-operative swelling and pain is normal. It is normal for patients to have slight swelling and pain after surgery, is it necessary to relieve these symptoms through exercise and other methods? Doctors suggest that patients should rest mainly after surgery and do not need too much exercise, as long as they can complete daily activities such as washing, eating and going to the bathroom by themselves. In addition, when patients are resting in bed, they can put their feet up about 30 degrees to reduce the symptoms of swelling in the lower limbs. You can take a bath after surgery Many patients are afraid to take a bath after surgery for fear of infection, but in reality, you can take a bath. So how to wash? Patients are advised to use a quick shower, put a dry towel at the root of the thigh before rinsing, and then wrap the entire affected limb with plastic wrap to seal it up. In this way, even if a small amount of water enters the shower, it will be absorbed into the dry towel and will not affect the wound healing. Medical bandages and medical elastic stockings allow patients to recover faster After surgery, the affected limb needs to be tied with a medical elastic bandage, one for compression to stop bleeding, and the other to promote healing, and the scope of the bundle should be determined according to the scope of surgery. Generally, the bandage is applied from the ankle to the upper 1/3 of the knee joint, and almost the entire 2/3 of the leg needs to be bandaged. The bandage is usually applied for 14 days and is removed on an outpatient basis at the time of review. The medical bandage is shown in the diagram. After the bandage is removed, medical compression stockings are worn to reinforce the treatment. There are different pressure gradients of compression stockings, and the doctor will choose the right one according to the thickness and condition of each patient’s leg to help reduce the swelling and recovery of the affected limb; at the same time, wearing medical compression stockings can also prevent the swelling of the lower limb after activity. Like ordinary socks, elastic stockings are worn during daytime activities and can be taken off at night when you sleep. When it comes to compression stockings, many patients ask if they must be purchased in a hospital. In fact, they can be purchased anywhere, as long as it is a regular hospital and pharmacy. Many people prefer to buy online, and it is advisable for them to measure an accurate circumference of the lower limb (inner ankle, 250px below the knee, 375px above the knee) before buying so that they can buy elastic stockings with the right pressure gradient. Patients should be reminded that medical compression stockings should not be washed in laundry detergent or excessively hot water; it is recommended to use a neutral detergent, or just wash them in warm water. Daily activities can meet the post-operative exercise needs After patients wake up from anesthesia, they can go down to the ground as long as they do not have symptoms of dizziness, nausea and vomiting. The bandage has no effect on the patient’s exercise. In the early postoperative period, patients can simply perform their daily activities. Because varicose vein surgery in the lower extremities is only a superficial vein surgery, unlike orthopedic surgery which involves bones and joints and must be done for rehabilitation. Moreover, most patients with varicose veins in the lower extremities are able to move on their own, and after the surgical wound heals and the patient is no longer in pain, their daily exercise will increase and they do not need to do other rehabilitative exercises. However, it is recommended that patients should preferably not do strenuous exercise in the short term, and wait at least until a month before doing normal aerobic activities, such as running, playing ball, etc. In addition, patients should not stay motionless for fear of pain, but at least complete their daily activities to promote blood return and avoid complications. When resting, the affected limb can be elevated to promote blood return.