Compression stockings are a type of compression garment that can help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They are available in different types, levels of compression and lengths. Compression stockings are carefully designed, snug-fitting, flexible socks that compress your leg gently. Graduated compression stockings begin tightly at the ankle and gradually loosen up the leg. Compression sleeves are just the tube portion of the garment without the foot. They are available without a prescription, but your insurance may pay the cost if your physician prescribes them.
Why do I need compression stockings?
High quality socks, compression stockings are used for comfort, to improve athletic performance, and help avoid significant medical issues. Essentially, they increase blood flow. They may help alleviate leg discomfort and edema. Additionally, they may help reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a kind of blood clot, and other circulatory disorders. They are available in various sizes and strengths, and you or your doctor will need to determine which one is the best fit. The American College of Chest Physicians recommends using graduated compression stockings as part of an overall treatment plan for DVT prevention.
Who Uses compression stockings?
People who use compression stockings include people with venous disease, such as varicose veins, chronic edema, or recurrent or long-term swelling. People with functional conditions like heart failure, pulmonary embolism, cancer, stroke, kidney dialysis, pregnancy, obesity, and those undergoing significant surgery also benefit from wearing compression stockings.
Ways To Wear Compression Socks & How Do They Work?
You wear compression stockings by putting them on over your regular clothes. You take them off when you go swimming, shower, exercise, or get dressed. It’s essential to check your feet often to ensure that the stockings are comfortable and don’t move around too much. Your doctor may prescribe a specific size based on your height, weight, calf circumference, and skin elasticity. Consult your healthcare provider if you notice any redness, pain, irritation, or blisters.
Types of Compression Socks:
There are several types of compression stockings. There are four basic types:
Graduated compression: These stockings have varying degrees of tightening throughout their length. It helps relieve symptoms associated with venous insufficiency while improving circulation and reducing swelling.
Pressure gradient: These stockings provide uniform pressure and the entire stocking, top to bottom.
Full-length support hose: These stockings are usually made with 100% cotton and are longer than traditional compression stockings. They provide full-body support and are ideal for daily activities.
Ankle-to-knee hosiery: These stockings cover the ankles, calves, and knees. They are great for everyday activities.
What do Compression stockings?
The pressure these stockings provide to your legs aids in the proper functioning of your blood vessels. The arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to your muscles may relax, allowing for unrestricted blood flow. Veins get a boost in their efforts to return blood to the heart. Compression stockings may help prevent tired and achy legs. Additionally, they may help alleviate swelling in the feet and ankles and aid in preventing and treating spider and varicose veins. They may even prevent you from experiencing lightheadedness or dizziness when you stand. Because the blood continues to flow, it is more difficult to pool in your veins and form a clot. If one develops and then breaks loose, it may travel through your bloodstream and get lodged in a harmful location, such as your lungs. Additionally, clots make it more difficult for blood to flow around them, which may result in edema, discolored skin, and other complications.
Compression socks and sleeves are used by certain athletes, including runners, basketball players, and triathletes. The premise is that increased blood flow would aid provide oxygen to their muscles during exercise, while the support will help avoid tissue injury. And after that, their muscles will recover more rapidly due to the increased blood and lymph circulation. They will feel less painful and cramp less. Although research indicates that the gear has little to no influence on sports performance, some individuals swear by it. Perhaps believing they have an advantage provides them with one. The evidence for speedier recovery is improving, but not significantly for weekend warriors.
What Are Some Benefits Of Using Compression Socks?
- Compression stockings may help relieve leg discomfort and edema, especially after prolonged sitting or standing.
- They may help decrease the likelihood of developing DVT.
- Compression stockings may help speed up healing time following injury.
- They may reduce the risk of developing pulmonary embolism.
- Compression socks may decrease the risk of ulcers and bleeding in patients taking anticoagulant medications.
- Compression socks may help ease joint stiffness in people living with arthritis.
- They may help treat lymphedema.
- Compression dressings may help treat wounds more effectively.
- Customized compression socks may help athletes recover faster from injuries.
- Compression bandages may help heal sprains, strains, and broken bones.