You and Health

There are many conditions that require the use of compression wear. Health care professionals often advise the use of compression stockings for individuals suffering from edema, lymphedema, varicose veins, lipodermatosclerosis, and for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. People living with diabetes oftentimes experience painful swelling of the legs and require the use of compression stockings. Compression wear comes in different levels of compression depending on a person’s unique needs. If you believe that you would benefit from the extra support, talk with your doctor about what pressure would best work for your condition.

While there are two types of compression socks, gradient and anti-embolism stockings, both are designed to provide the greatest amount of compression around the ankles and for that pressure to decrease toward the top of the socks. The compression on the arteries, veins and muscles causes the circulating blood to move through more narrow circulatory channels. Read more…

There are several reasons why you can experience poor circulation in your lower extremities such as your feet, lower legs, and thighs. Being confined to bed rest or being unable to walk for long periods of time, also called being non ambulatory, can lead to diminished capillary flow in the feet and legs. Other medical conditions such as diabetes can cause this problem as well, which can lead to thrombosis, edema, and blood clots. All of these conditions, as well as being a significant medical problem, can also cause a person a good deal of discomfort. Blood pooling in the feet and legs can lead to a sensation of tightness and even pain. For all of these reasons, your doctor may prescribe or advise you to purchase compression stockings.

Compression stockings work by applying a graduated compression to your lower extremities. Although some compression stockings only rise to cover your ankles, other stockings may come up to below the knee or even the entire length of your leg to cover the upper thigh. In all cases, the graduated compression of the stockings applies the greatest amount of compression at your ankles, which decreases the higher the stocking is on your leg. This graduated compression aids your muscles in producing capillary flow, helping to prevent uncomfortable and unhealthful pooling of blood. Read more…

After many surgeries, it is wise to wear compression stockings, especially with patients that are older.  These stockings help to promote blood flow in the legs, which will prevent clots from forming.  If you know anything about clots in the legs, then you already know how very dangerous they can be.  One clot can be fatal.  After lying still for surgery and recovery, it is quite possible for these clots to form in the legs, but not if you are conscious of the need for compression stockings and make a point of having them ready.

Compression stockings may also be necessary for patients who are bedridden, even without the need for surgery.  If you are caring for a loved one who must stay in bed at all times, you should understand the need for the supplies that will keep them healthy.  As with after-surgery care, lying in a bed for several hours at a time could present problems with circulation that we don’t often consider.  There are many things you will need to purchase to ensure that your loved one is cared for, including the compression stockings that will help to prevent blood clots. Read more…

For individuals suffering from circulatory problems caused by phlebitis, edema, thrombosis, or other health issues, compression stockings can provide a valuable solution for increasing blood circulation. With these customized socks, blood is forced through more constricted circulatory channels so that less blood pools in the feet. There is a variety of compression stocking types. Ask your doctor about which product will work best for your condition to get the best results.

You may be wondering what the difference is between regular socks and compression socks. Compression stockings are made of strong elastic material that is tighter at the ankles and becomes less constrictive towards the top of the stockings allowing free blood flow in this area. When arteries, muscles, and surface veins are compressed, the blood is forced from the lower extremities back to the heart. Read more…