about compression stockings
compression socks and stockings
Do you have any of the following venous problems?
Compression hosiery may help:
- Swollen feet, ankles, and legs
- Tired, aching, fatigued legs
- Family history of venous disorders
- Over 40 years of age
- Pregnancy or hormonal therapy
- Carrying excess weight
- Inactive or sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Limb trauma or recent surgery
- Cancer
- Long distance travel
- Prolonged standing
Poor circulation and venous insufficiency can cause:
- swelling
- spider veins
- varicose veins
- leg fatigue
- pain and cramping in the calves
- venous ulceration
Compression socks or stockings may benefit you as they are made of a specialized fabric to exert pressure on the lower extremity to relieve and control swelling, varicose veins and leg fatigue.
How do they help?
The stockings work to compress the diameter of the vein while reinforcing the pumping action of the muscles in your calves to improve valve function and blood flow back to the heart.
Venous abnormalities are found in 27% of the adult population with varicose veins being present in 50% of North American women, in 43% of men over the age of 70, and 40% of pregnant women.
Varicose veins are the failure of the valves to close properly which leads to stretching and distension of the veins and pooling of the blood. The veins in your legs have a difficult job of pushing the blood against gravity back to your heart. Increased age and hormonal changes can lead to a loss in the elasticity of the veins. The end result is edema, fatigue and eventually leg pain, ulcers and thrombosis.
The goals of compression therapy are to control edema, decrease leg discomfort and enhance recovery from strenuous exercise.
Compression stockings come in mild, moderate or firm support depending on the severity of your symptoms.