Compression stockings are used to comfort, perform better in sports, and fend off major medical issues.
- They essentially increase your blood flow.
- They can reduce leg pain and swelling.
- Additionally, they can reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot, and other circulatory issues.
They come in various sizes and intensities, so the doctor or patient must choose the size suitable for your legs for better results.
Obliquely squeezing your leg, compression stockings are carefully designed, form-fitting elastic socks. Pressure or graduated compression stockings are tighter at the ankle and loosen as they ascend your leg. Sleeves for compression are merely the tube portion without the foot.
Although they are available over the counter, your insurance might pay the price if your doctor prescribes them.
They are available through medical supply firms, online retailers, and drug stores. Depending on the kind, they can cost anywhere from $10 to as much as $100 for each pair.
Types of compression stocking
Consult your healthcare professional to choose the best compression stockings for you. Compression stockings come in wide different varieties. They come in several forms;
- Pressures ranging from low to high pressure
- Lengths ranging from the top of the thigh to the knee
- Colors
Who Employs Them?
- Those with circulation issues including DVT, Varicose Veins, or diabetes, or those at risk for such issues
- Somebody who recently underwent surgery
- Those who find it difficult to stand up from bed or move their legs
- Those who stand all day at their jobs
- Athletes
- Expecting mothers
- Those who spend much time on airplanes, such as pilots
How Do They Act?
These stockings apply pressure on your legs, improving your blood vessels’ function. Blood can flow smoothly because the arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood to your muscles can relax. Boosted veins force blood back toward your heart.
Your legs won’t grow tired and sore if you use compression stockings. They can also cure and prevent spider and varicose veins and reduce swelling in your Ankles and feet. They might even prevent you from feeling faint or unsteady when you stand up.
It’s more difficult for a blood clot to form when blood pools in your veins because it keeps flowing. If one forms and escapes, it may travel through your blood and become lodged in potentially hazardous locations, such as your lungs. Additionally, clots hinder the flow of blood surrounding them, which can lead to edema, skin discoloration, and other issues.
Some athletes, including runners, basketball players, and triathletes, wear compression sleeves and socks. According to the notion, during exercise, improved blood flow will aid in supplying their muscles with oxygen, and the support will assist in preventing tissue damage. Additionally, enhanced blood and lymph circulation will help in faster muscle recovery. They won’t cramp as frequently and won’t be as sore.
Even though studies suggest that the equipment has little to no impact on sports performance, some people firmly believe in it. Better data supports quicker recovery, but not enough for weekend athletes to notice a difference.
What Sorts Exist?
Sleeves and socks are available in various lengths to fit different body areas. Most stockings for DVT are just below the knees. However, thigh-highs and tights are also available.
They also differ in pressure, which is expressed in mmHg. The right pair of stockings should be cozy but not painfully so. Most of the time, mild compression with lower numbers is sufficient to keep you comfortable at work. To stop DVT, you’ll need higher numbers and a tighter fit.
Anti-embolism stockings, also known as thrombo-embolic deterrent (TED) hose, are intended to be worn following surgery and while you must stay in bed.
Your doctor will take measurements of your legs and prescribe the appropriate stockings for you if you require them for medical reasons.
How to Dress in Them:
Stockings should be smooth out, so they will be flat on your skin. Prevent bunching.
Don’t let them get too lengthy. The tops shouldn’t be rolled down because it might interrupt the bloodstream or tourniquet blood circulation.
You have to wear them most of the time as recommended by your doctor. However, you can take them off to have a shower or bath. You can wear them over socks, house slippers, and shoes. Ask your doctor how frequently and for how long you should use them.
Why would someone wear compression socks?
Your lower legs will experience pressure from compression stockings, which will help to preserve blood flow, lessen pain, and minimize swelling.
If you suffer from a disorder that results in inadequate blood flow to your legs, such as;
- Enlarged veins (swollen and enlarged veins)
- Lymphoedema (when the tissues of your body swell)
Putting stocking:
Before getting out of bed in the morning, put on your stockings. Early in the morning, if your legs have minor swelling.
- Roll the stocking down to the heel while holding the top.
- As profoundly as you can, tuck your foot into the sock. Insert your heel into the stocking’s heel.
- Draw up the stocking. Over your leg, unroll the stocking.
- After you’ve secured the stocking’s top, straighten out any wrinkles.
- Keep the stockings from bunching up or wrinkling.
- Stockings having knee length should terminate two fingers below the knee bend.
Putting on compression stockings might be challenging:
Try these suggestions if you find it difficult to put on the socks;
- Before putting on the stockings, moisturize your legs and allow them to dry.
- Apply or try some cornstarch or baby powder to your legs. The stockings may slide up easier as a result.
- Put on rubber dishwashing gloves to assist smooth out and repositioning the stockings.
- To slide the stocking over your foot, use a stocking donner, a specialized tool. A donner can be purchased online or at a medical supply store.
Different Names of compression stocking:
- Varicose veins – compression stockings
- Venous insufficiency – compression stockings
- Compression hose
- Pressure stockings
- Support stockings
- Gradient stockings
Benefits of compression stocking:
Your physician might advise compression socks for;
- Venous support
- Increased blood flow to your legs
- Keep your leg veins from becoming swollen with blood
- Reduce leg swelling
- Lowering the orthostatic hypotension that makes you dizzy or unsteady when you stand
- Aid in venous ulcer prevention
- Avert deep vein thrombosis from developing in your legs
- Reduce the discomfort brought on by Varicose Veins
- Hypertension in the veins backward
- Make lymphatic drainage better
Side effects of compression stocking:
Check your legs every day for regions of skin changes, such as irritation or redness, if your doctor has prescribed compression stockings. These modifications can mean;
- Your stockings are not correctly tailored.
- You’re not correctly putting on or removing your stockings.
- You are infected.
- The material in the stockings is making you ill.
Having a valid prescription and using compression socks and stockings correctly is crucial.
- A 2014 case study by Trusted Source claims that wearing compression stockings improperly can result in issues, including skin breaks.
- According to a 2007 study, improper use of compression stockings has resulted in reports of peripheral nerve injury.
- Compression stocking use can exacerbate ischemia, or insufficient oxygenated blood flow, if you have compromised arterial flow, according to a 2014 Canadian Medical Association Journal report.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/dvt/choose-compression-stockings
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-long-should-i-wear-compression-stockings-to-improve-my-circulation/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000597.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/compression-socks-benefits
