Compression Stockings, also known as Compression Socks, provide graduated compression to the legs, helping to improve blood flow and prevent certain medical conditions. The compression offered helps alleviate the discomfort and swelling associated with varicose veins, which are enlarged and twisted veins that usually occur in the legs. It can also be used as part of the management of lymphedema, a condition where excess lymph fluid accumulates in tissues, typically in the arms or legs, causing swelling. Compression socks are available in various lengths, including knee-high, thigh-high, and pantyhose styles.
How do Compression Socks Work?
Compression stockings work by applying graduated pressure to the legs, with the highest pressure at the ankle and gradually decreasing towards the top of the stocking. This compression helps to improve blood flow and reduce swelling by exerting pressure on the veins in the legs, which helps to compress the walls of the veins and improve the efficiency of blood flow back to the heart.
Key Mechanisms
Compression: The pressure exerted by these stockings compresses the walls of the veins, reducing their diameter and promoting blood flow velocity. This helps to prevent blood from pooling in the veins, which can be a common issue in conditions such as varicose veins or venous insufficiency.
Gradient Pressure: Compression socks are designed with a gradient pressure, meaning that the pressure is highest at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top of the stocking. This gradient pressure helps to optimize blood flow by pushing blood from the ankle towards the thigh, assisting the muscles in the calf to pump blood back up to the heart against gravity.
Valve Function: Helps improve the function of the one-way valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing backward. The pressure from the compression stocking can help these valves close more effectively, reducing the reflux of blood and promoting better circulation.
Muscle Pump Activation: The pressure from the compression socks can also stimulate the muscles in the calf to contract and relax, promoting the pumping action of the calf muscles. This muscle pump action helps to push blood up from the legs towards the heart, aiding in the prevention of blood pooling and promoting better blood flow.
Indications
You may be prescribed for Covidien ted stockingin case of
Compression stockings also help with aching legs with a heavy feeling
Your healthcare provider may suggest the type of stockings and compression level required according to your health condition. At HPFY, we have pantyhose compression stockings for varicose veins with different compression levels and heights at the best prices and discounts.
Types of Compression Stockings
Level of Compression
Mild Compression (12-16 mmHg) - Typically used for mild symptoms such as tired or achy legs and for prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy or for long periods of sitting or standing.
Moderate Compression (15-20 mmHg) - Commonly used for moderate symptoms such as varicose veins, mild to moderate edema, and post-sclerotherapy treatment.
Firm Compression (20-30 mmHg) - Used for more severe symptoms such as chronic venous insufficiency, severe edema, and management of advanced venous conditions.
Extra Firm Compression (30-40mmHg) - Used for severe cases of chronic venous insufficiency and other advanced venous conditions, typically prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
Compression garments come in different colors, such as:
Anthracite
Beige
Black
Blue
Bronze
Pink
Nude
Brown
Espresso
Honey
Navy
White
Tan
Khaki
Tips for Wearing Medical Compression Socks
The amount of time you need to wear compression socks every day differs according to your specific health condition. In some cases, you might need to wear them all day long.
Covidien Ted Stockings feel tight around the ankles, and you feel lesser pressure higher up. Put on the socks first thing in the morning, as the swelling is the least when you wake up.
Holding the top, roll the stocking down to the heel. Put your foot in the Stocking Donner and roll up to your knees or thighs.
Compression garments might be challenging to wear for people with limited hand strength. Apply a moisturizer on your legs if you find it difficult to wear them.
You can also use cornstarch or baby powder to make the process easier.
Wash the garments with water and a mild detergent each day.
Keep two pairs of stockings, one for wear and the other for washing.
These must be replaced every three to six months because if they lose their compression, they might no longer be able to provide the necessary support.
Get it resized by your healthcare professional if you feel that size has changed because of the swelling's disappearance or for any other reason.
To measure for compression hose, you will need a flexible measuring tape. Measure the circumference of your ankle at its narrowest point, the circumference of your calf at its widest point, and the circumference of your thigh if you are getting thigh-high stockings. Measure the length from the floor to the point on your leg where you want the stocking to end. It's best to measure in the morning when your legs are least swollen. Use the measurements to determine the appropriate size and compression level of the stocking according to the manufacturer's sizing chart or with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Proper measurement is crucial to ensure a proper fit and optimal effectiveness of compression stockings.
When to remove compression stockings after surgery?
When these stockings are recommended after surgery, they should usually be worn as much as possible, day and night, until you're able to move around freely.
How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings?
You should wear your stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning. You should be given at least 2 stockings or 2 pairs if you're wearing them on both legs. This means you can wear 1 stocking (or pair) while the other is being washed and dried.
Compression therapy has several health benefits obtained by wearing different compression therapy garments available - socks, stockings, gloves, armsleeves.
Yes, not all stockings are created equal. Compression helps patients with circulation problems due to a wide variety of maladies and, at first glance, compression stockings and anti-embolism stockings may seem like the same thing, but there are subtle differences
Compression stockings increase the pressure in the subcutaneous tissue under the skin, which helps in reducing the pain as well as the swelling. This compression helps move excessive fluids to the capillaries and helps prevent the leakage of a lot
Click here to view the Buying guide for Compression Stockings
