Compression treatment is the intended use for compression socks and stockings. They’ll put light pressure on your lower extremities to increase blood flow to your heart.
Leg and ankle discomfort are alleviated by wearing compression ankle socks.
Compression socks have several advantages.
Medical professionals may recommend compression stockings if you:
- Elevate the legs’ blood flow.
- Veins that provide support avoid the risk of blood clots in the lower extremities. Leg oedema is reduced because of veins.
- Aid those who suffer from dizziness or fainting when standing by decreasing orthostatic hypotension. Avoiding venous ulcers
- relief from the discomfort of varicose veins
- Reduce blood pressure in the veins
- better lymphatic flow
How exactly do compression socks function?
Because of the added pressure they provide to the lower extremities, compression stockings may help with:
Help blood flow upward toward the heart by narrowing central veins and increasing blood pressure, and avoid having blood pool in the foot or go laterally into superficial veins.
Varieties of Compression socks
In general, there are three distinct styles of compression socks, and they are as follows:
Thigh-high stockings with a graduated compression level
The compression of graded compression stockings is highest at the ankle and progressively diminishes as they rise. Medical standards for length and strength are met while allowing for easy mobility. Expert fitting is recommended for graduated compression stockings. To reduce peripheral oedema or to swell in the lower legs, stockings that finish just below the knee are recommended.
Wearing stockings that reach the thigh or waist might minimise orthostatic hypotension by minimising blood pooling in the legs. Colour customisation and the option of open or closed toes are only a few examples of the customisation options some retailers offer.
Anti-embolism socks
The risk of developing a DVT is mitigated by using anti-embolism stockings.
They offer gradual compression, much like a graded hose. Still, compression strengths vary. Those who can’t move around much might benefit from wearing anti-embolism stockings.
Non-medical support Hosiery
In most cases, a doctor’s order isn’t necessary to buy a hose that isn’t intended to provide medical assistance. You may buy flying socks and an elastic support hose to help ease your weary legs.
Compared to medically-recommended compression stockings, the pressure they apply is more consistent and gentler.
Most pharmacies and internet stores will carry nonmedical compression stockings.
Compression stockings are worn to increase blood flow in the legs and ankles back to the heart.
Your doctor may recommend compression stockings if you suffer from venous insufficiency.
Take the time to have measured and fitted, and then follow all care instructions while putting on and taking off the equipment.
Wear them as directed and for as long as prescribed by your doctor. Keep an eye on your skin for any changes where your stockings touch.
There are a variety of other applications for compression socks:
- Some athletes wear arm or hand compression ankle socks to boost blood flow and oxygen delivery when working out, preparing, or competing. Compression wraps are used by certain athletes to aid in their recovery after intense workouts.
- Compression socks can enhance a wheelchair-bound person’s blood flow and minimise leg oedema.
- Compression stockings can be helpful for pregnant women who experience swelling in their legs, feet, or ankles. When worn as a preventative strategy in the morning, compression socks are more effective for reducing swelling during pregnancy than when worn after the condition has already worsened.
- Flight attendants and passengers on long or frequent flights may benefit from wearing compression socks, which can boost circulation and decrease the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis.
- The increased blood and oxygen flow to the legs and feet that compression socks provide benefits with those on their feet all day for work.
