Compression stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankle, reducing pain and swelling and promoting blood flow from your legs to the heart. Your doctor may prescribe Haines City compression socks & devices to help prevent your risk of deep vein thrombosis. Besides medical reasons, people wear compression stockings for comfort or to do better in sports. Other benefits of compression stockings include the following:
- Prevent venous ulcers
- Minimized pain and swelling caused by varicose veins
- Encourages circulation in your legs
- Reverse venous hypertension
- Reduced orthostatic hypotension
- Lessens the risk of deep vein thrombosis
- Improved lymphatic drainage
Types of compression stockings
The three primary types of compression stockings include:
Graduated compression stockings
These types of compression stockings typically require professional fitting. They are strongest at the ankle, and the compression level decreases towards the top. Graduated compression stockings are designed to meet certain length and strength medical specifications. They are available in different lengths and designs; some end just below the knee, and others go to the thighs or waist. Stockings that end below the knee are meant to reduce lower leg swelling due to fluid buildup. Those that extend to the thigh or waist reduce blood from pooling in your legs and help prevent orthostatic hypotension.
Some suppliers offer extra features, including color and the choice of open or closed-toe for personal preference.
Anti-embolism stockings
Anti-embolism compression stockings provide gradient compression like graduated stockings. However, the compression level differs since these are designed for people who are not mobile. You may need to wear anti-embolism stockings if you are at risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Nonmedical support hosiery
These compression stockings don’t require a prescription or a professional fitting. You can find them over the counter at your local drugstore or online. Nonmedical support hosiery includes elastic support hose and flight socks sold as a potential relief for tired, achy, and swollen legs. These stockings deliver the least pressure of all compression stockings.
Are there any side effects?
If you wear prescribed compression stockings, it is vital to check your legs for an area of skin changes like redness and irritation. Such changes could indicate an infection or your socks don’t fit properly. They could also mean that you are allergic to the stocking material.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to wear compression stockings and socks. When worn improperly, compression stockings can cause problems like skin breakage. Misuse of compression stockings can lead to peripheral nerve damage, so you should only wear them as your doctor recommends.
Before wearing compression stockings, you want to consult your healthcare provider to prevent complications. For example, people with impaired arterial flow should not wear compression stockings since it worsens the problem.
Compression stockings apply pressure to your lower extremities to promote blood flow to your heart. If your doctor prescribed compression stockings to help you with venous insufficiency, remember to follow instructions for properly putting on and removing them.
If you have further questions about compression stockings, consult your healthcare provider at Vascular Vein Centers.
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