Compression Socks and Legwear
People wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in their legs. This helps prevent leg swelling and, to a lesser extent blood clots. If you have varicose veins, spider veins, or have just had surgery, your health care provider may prescribe compression stockings.
Wearing compression stockings helps with:
>Aching and heavy feeling legs
> Swelling in the legs
> Preventing blood clots, primarily after surgery or injury when you are less active
Graduated compression therapy helps with the management of vein problems. As a person walks, the contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles around the veins aid in moving blood toward the heart. The external graduated compression of compression socks and stockings act as a layer of muscle by gently squeezing the stretched vein walls together, allowing the valves to close. The cavity of the vein is reduced, thereby restoring blood flow to a normal state and aiding overall circulation.
Types of Compression Stockings
Talk to your Dr. about what kinds of compression stockings are right for you. There are many different compression stockings. They come in different:
> Pressures, from light pressure to strong pressure
> Lengths, from knee-high to the top of the thigh or pantyhose
> Colors
> Open toe or close toe
> Sheer or opaque
Open Toe vs. Closed Toe
Some brands of compression stockings come with open or closed toes. Open toes are good for summer sandal, peep toe shoes and may be more comfortable for people with sensory neuropathy in their feet. Open-toe stockings can be a little easier to get on and off. But otherwise, they perform the same job.
Opaque vs. Sheer
Sheer stockings may be a better option for women who require formal attire for work or when you’re headed out to a party in a fancy dress, but they tend to be scratchier than the more opaque stockings. Sheer stockings may also tear faster than the thicker opaque stockings. Opaque stockings tend to be softer and have a more cotton feel to them. Opaque stockings tend to breath better too.
> Hold the top of the stocking and roll it inside out to the heel.
> Put your toes and foot into the stocking as far as you can. Put your heel in the heel of the stocking.
> Pull the stocking up. Unroll the stocking over your leg.
> After the top of the stocking is in place, smooth out any wrinkles with a pair of rubber gloves provided with your first purchase of compression stocking at Stand Your Ground.
> DO NOT let the stockings bunch up or wrinkle.
> Knee length stockings should come to 2 fingers below the knee bend.
If it's hard for you to put on the stockings, try these tips:
> Apply lotion on your legs, but let it dry before you put on the stockings.
> Use a little baby powder or cornstarch on your legs. This may help the stockings slide up.
> Put on rubber dishwashing gloves to help adjust the stockings and smooth them out.
> Use a special gadget called a stocking donner to slide the stocking over your foot. You can buy a donner at a medical supply store or online.
Keep the stockings clean:
> Wash the stockings each day with mild soap and water. Rinse and air dry.
> If you can, have two pairs. Wear one pair each day. Wash and dry the other pair.
> Replace your stockings every 6 months so that they maintain their support.
If your stockings feel too uncomfortable, call your provider. Find out if there is a different kind of stocking that will work for you. DO NOT stop wearing them without talking to your provider.
Stockings range in price from $40 to $250 for prescription stockings. Contact your insurance company to see if they cover medical compression stockings with a prescription from your doctor. If they do, they may require you to use be measured by certified fitter. Stand Your Ground currently has three certified fitters working with us. Anytime you lose or gain significant weight you will want to be measured again to insure the correct size and best fit.