It can be medically essential to wear compression socks and garments. This is especially for preventing or helping heal serious medical conditions. These socks can also provide comfort, better circulation, and better sports performance.
What Do Compression Stockings Do?
Basically, compression garment provides improvement for your blood flow and circulation. Additionally, it will help reduce pain and swelling in the lower extremities. It can also help lower your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other serious medical conditions.
Compression socks are snug fitting leggings or garments that provide a gently squeezing sensation. Some compression stockings provide more tightness at the ankle area, with pressure loosening as they rise further up the leg. They are called graduated stockings.
Choosing the Best Compression Socks
You will find that compression socks, leggings, and sleeves come in different lengths. Most leg compression gear starts just below the leg. However, you can find thigh high stockings and even full leg tights.
Compression stockings also are offered in different pressure levels. This pressure is measured in mmHg. It is important that your stockings have a snug feeling, but not tight enough to cause any pain.
If you stand for long periods of time, you’ll probably find mild or lower pressure garment as the best compression stocking choices. If you are preventing serious vein issues such as DVT, you might choose a firm fit instead. Additionally, you should choose compression garments for anti-embolisms when you are on bed rest, such as after surgery. Graduated compression garments are a good choice if the doctor allowed you to walk around after surgery.
If you need compression stockings for medical reasons, your physician will prescribe or select the best compression socks for you. Additionally, your physician will also measure you for the best fit for your individual condition.
In addition, your physician will provide instructions on how to properly wearing these stockings. Instructions may say to ensure that the socks lay flat against your legs and not bunched up. Compression stockings should also not be rolled or folded as this may cause them to become too tight and cause circulation issues.
St. Louis Laser Vein Center
Dr. Thomas Wright from St. Louis Laser Vein Center understands the importance of compression stockings for patients suffering from vein disease. He and his staff are very experienced in providing the best compression stockings for your individual case. If you have questions about buying compression stockings or garments, even for better sports performance, please give us a call.
