Compression stockings are used as a treatment or prevention of certain health conditions. Their compression aids in circulating the blood and lymphatic flow within your legs.
The stockings are made of special elastic or rubber that offer graduated compression. A compression stocking has its maximum tightness at your ankle and gradually lessens as it moves up your leg. This compression aid squeezes blood back towards your heart and precludes it from pooling in your legs. And graduated compression stockings aid in circulating lymph fluid through your legs as well.
One of the major uses for graduated compression stockings is the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a primary cause of a pulmonary embolism. Some other health conditions for which compression stocking aid may be recommended or prescribed are:
- edema
- nocturia
- phlebitis
- burn scar
- lymphedema
- varicose veins
- tired, achy legs
- venous leg ulcers
- post hip fracture repair
- after knee replacement
- orthostatic hypotension
- post-thrombotic syndrome
- chronic venous insufficiency
A major risk factor for DVT is extended periods of immobility. So, a compression stocking aid may be indicated if you are:
- bedridden
- recovering from surgery
- sitting for long time during travel
Even healthy individuals can benefit from wearing graduated compression stockings during long air flights or car rides.
Additionally, deep vein thrombosis may develop because the blood flow in your legs is restricted and slowed, for instance due to:
- obesity
- pregnancy
- leg vein damage
- cancer treatment
- certain types of cancer
- inherited clotting disorders
Compression stockings are designed with various levels of graduated tightness and styles, i.e. knee high, thigh high and pantyhose. The least amount of graduated pressure in stockings is available over-the-counter. As the compression level increases, a prescription will likely be necessary. And your choice in the look of a compression stocking aid is very broad.
A variance to these stocking aids is the pneumatic compression stockings. The device is wrapped around your lower leg and pumps air into chambers within the stocking. The air gently tightens around the legs for a few seconds and then is released. Therefore, pneumatic compression stockings pulsates to keep your blood flowing.
And if you have diabetes you must never use graduated compression stockings unless otherwise instructed to by your health care provider.