All About Support Hose

Poor circulation in the legs can cause tired, achy, and swollen legs. Even worse, sluggish blood flow can lead to varicose veins and leg ulcers. Because the blood flow from the lower part of the leg is often slower, congestion can occur. These types of leg conditions tend to be hereditary, but often strike seniors, pregnant women, obese people, and those who stand on their feet all day on hard floors.

Graduated Compression

Support stockings can alleviate such a situation by providing a type of graduated compression that assists the blood flow in moving from the lower part of the leg upward toward the heart. The compression in these stockings is highest at the ankle and decreases going farther up the leg. While the stockings can't cure varicose veins, they can keep them stable. Even for those who have undergone surgery for leg veins, long-term use of compression stockings is recommended to prevent a recurrence of the condition.

*Never wear support hose at night unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Tingly Toes

*If you find that your toes begin to tingle while wearing your hose, take them off and speak to your physician or pharmacist.

*It's important to make sure that the fabric of the stocking is distributed in an even manner over the leg and is not pulled too tight at the top.

*Avoid folding over the waist band or top of the stocking, since this will cut off the circulation of the leg at that point.

*Never cut or change the stockings in any way since this serves to change the level of compression.

*Wash your stockings in the washing machine, but never machine dry.

Rubber Gloves

*Wearing rubber gloves while putting on your stockings can help prevent snagging from sharp fingernails and jewelry. They may also make the task of pulling on the stockings a bit easier.

*Keep your finger and toenails trim to prevent any snags in your support hose.

*Make sure you get a proper fitting for your stockings to get the greatest benefit.

*Avoid open-toed stockings if you have bunions or your feet are wide or fat. The open toe style in such situations causes discomfort and a feeling of restriction at the site of the band that runs across the foot.

Six Months

*It's a good idea to get new stockings every half a year since the elasticity of the fabric loosens and compression levels are altered.

*Take new measurements every time you replace your stockings and take them first thing in the morning or after a long rest in a horizontal position.

*For those with varicose veins in the thighs and for pregnant women, full length hosiery is preferred. Those with lower leg problems like varicose veins, ankle swelling and leg ulcers can often get the desired level of support with knee or ankle-high stockings.