Compression Stockings

Varicose Veins Quick Recap

Millions of people young to old suffer from varicose veins, those unsightly bulging blue veins which can be not only embarrassing, but can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe. While usually harmless, complications with varicose veins can lead to severe pain and may require surgery to remove the veins or necessitate other serious treatments. Varicose veins are caused by poor circulation and sluggish blood flow in the legs, which lead to tired, achy, and swollen legs, as well to the bulging blue veins which remain the hallmark of this condition.

Who Can Get Varicose Veins?

Men and women of all ages can experience varicose veins, although it tends to be hereditary. Factors which can increase the risk of varicose veins include pregnancy, standing for extended periods of time on hard floors, old age, and obesity.

Compression Stocking Treatment

Compression stockings, popularly called support stockings or support hosiery, have long been found to help prevent and to alleviate conditions such as varicose veins. Specifically designed to reduce swelling in the legs and to increase circulation, compression stockings are an important too for individuals suffering from chronic vein problems.

How Compression Stockings Work

How do compression stockings work? The answer is implied in their very name: Compression! Support stockings exert a graduated type of compression or pressure which causes blood to flow more easily from the legs up to the heart. In addition to increasing proper blood flow, support hose decrease the appearance of varicose veins and often provide pain relief. While compression stockings don't provide a cure for varicose veins, they can prevent exacerbation of an existing condition, stabilize the current condition, and prevent recurrence of the condition. In addition, doctors often recommend the use of support stockings to treat a number of other leg ailments, including edema (swelling), open leg sores, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Types of Compression Stockings

There are several different types of compression stockings, as well as many names for this special support hosiery. If you are thinking about investing in compression stockings, or if your doctor has recommended the use of support hose to treat your venous skin problem, here are some of the other terms compression stockings are called:

•- Thigh-high pantyhose

•- Compression hose

•- Compression socks

•- Support stockings

•- Support hose

•- Support hosiery

•- Thick knee-highs

•- Support socks

•- Anti-embolism socks

•- Flat knit graduated compression stockings or socks

•- Silver socks

•- Custom compression socks

•- Medical socks

•- Varicose Veins stockings

•- Pregnancy support hosiery

Wearing Compression Stockings

Knowing how to wear compression stockings is an important element in their effectiveness. The exact type of compression stocking, the level of support needed, and how long compression stockings should be worn will be determined by your doctor. The doctor's decision will initially be based on the extent of your specific condition or illness, but how long the support stockings should remain in place will depend on the results of regular medical checkups, which will determine whether or not the compression hose is helping.

Additional Conditions Treated by Compression Hosiery

Besides varicose veins, doctors often recommend the aid of support hosiery to alleviate or prevent a number of other physical ailments, including:

•1) Lymphedema: Extreme swelling, most often affecting the legs, which manifests as abnormal bloating. Compression stockings enhance proper circulation, help curb drainage of lymph fluid, and reduce swelling.

•2) Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): The formation of a blood clot in the arm or let, causing partially or completely blocked circulation. If untreated, a DVT blood clot can travel to the lungs, where it may create a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Compression stockings increase circulation and help prevent the formation of blood clots.

•3) Orthostatic Hypotension: The low blood pressure condition wherein blood pools in the lower extremities, resulting in people feeling faint or dizzy when they stand up. Compression devices reduce the pooling of blood and help alleviate symptoms.