Compression stockings are specialized hosiery designed to avail block the occurrence of further progression of venous disorders such as edema, thrombosis, and phlebitis. Compression stockings are elastic garments worn around the leg, compressing the limb. This can reduce the diameter of distended veins and increase venous blood flow velocity and valve efficacy. Compression therapy decreases venous pressure, obviates venous stasis and impairments of venous walls, and mitigates the heavy and aching legs.
Knee-high compression stockings are utilized not only to avail increase circulation but also to avail obviate the formation of blood clots in the lower legs. They additionally avail in the treatment of ulcers of the lower legs.
Athletic stockings and socks, compression stockings use more potent elastics to engender paramount pressure on the legs, ankles, and feet. Compression stockings are tightest at the ankles and gradually become less constrictive toward knees and the thighs. If you’re pregnant, physicians say there is actually no harm in getting into compression socks for pregnancy. In fact, medical professionals suggest wearing socks during pregnancy to inhibit the development of varicose veins.
By compressing the veins, arteries, and muscles, they force circulating blood through the narrower channels. As a result, arterial pressure is incremented, which causes more blood to the heart and less blood pool in the feet.
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Compression Stocking Types
Compression stockings of 20 mmHg or higher need to be prescribed by a physician. They are used to treat various medical conditions and should be used under the supervision of a doctor. There are two types of compression stockings-
- Gradient– Physicians will typically suggest these stockings for who are prone to blood clots, lower limb edema, and blood pooling in the legs and feet from a long time of sitting or inactivity.
- Anti-embolism– Worn by post-surgical patients to help prevent pooling of blood in the legs that lead to venous thrombosis.
Medical uses of Compression stockings
Compression stockings create stronger elastics to generate significant pressure on the legs, ankles, and feet. Compression stockings will tightest at the ankles and gradually turn into a less constrictive towards the knees and thighs. By compressing the surface veins, arteries, and muscles, they force circulating blood through narrower channels. As a result, it increases arterial pressure, which causes more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet. Treatment usually by a specialist doctor to relieve symptoms of chronic venous disease and limit venous troubles. Compression stockings are recommended under the following conditions:
Aching legs- Edema
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins
- Spider veins
- Venous thromboembolism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Lipodermatosclerosis
- Phlebitis
- Economy class syndrome (ECS)
- Pregnancy
Contraindications
Care should be taken in those with advanced peripheral obstructive arterial disease, septic phlebitis, heart failure, oozing dermatitis and advanced peripheral neuropathy regarding wearing compression stockings.