If you’re wondering what compression stocking is, it has nothing to do with a car or its engine, even though it may sound like it should belong to something with wheels. What they are is stockings that are worn for comfort, in the simplest explanation. So, if your asking yourself why do people need these specific ones and can’t do with wearing normal stocking, we have all the intel for you below. You may just be missing out on the best invention since sliced bread.
The idea behind them is to be snug fitting enough to squeeze your legs with the right amount, graduating upward in strength or tightness, from the ankle where they are the tightest to the top of your legs where they are looser and you get socks that cover the leg including the feet as well or you can opt for just the ‘sleeves’ which is the tube length between your ankle and the top of your leg, and does include the foot covering.
This pressure that the socks apply to your legs is conditioned to provide your blood vessels a better functionality because the arteries that are meant to take oxygen-rich blood to your muscles can relax, aiding the flow of blood much freely, resulting in a boost of blood to your heart as well. This proper transport back and flow of blood is how our arteries are meant to work.
Those That Can Wear Them
These inventions are specifically geared towards people with a medical condition such as:
- Diabetes
- Varicose Veins
- Pregnant women
- Athletes and Sports People
- Those that have difficulty moving their legs
- People who have just been through surgery
- Circulation problems such as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
- Pilots, who spend long periods sitting in airplanes
A very common issue that a lot of people, both men and women face is varicose veins, you can this by the blue veins that run just beneath the skin’s surface, which more often than none affect feet and legs, they are swollen and sometimes twisted, which is what causes the pain and discomfort, they hinder blood circulation and are harmless. If you think you may have them, read an in-depth article about its workings here.
How Do They Help?
The basic idea when invented was to help come up with something that would aid in proper blood circulation in the legs and feet plus lessen and pain or discomfort is caused by any of the issues mentioned in the list above. Not only do they do all of this but they also lower your chances of getting such issues as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), which is when a blood clot form in the inside of your leg, which could cause blockages of blood flow to the heart.
If not sorted out soon, it can lead to further and serious complications. In the USA this issue affects almost 1 in 10 people, who die from complications, such as Pulmonary Embolism, which can be treated by changing your diet to a healthier one, and getting more exercise. Learn more about this on this reputable medical website https://www.webmd.com/dvt/deep-vein-thrombosis-complications
Benefits of Compression Stockings
We touched briefly on one benefit of these socks, regarding increasing blood flow and blood circulation in the legs. Besides this there is an array of other important benefits that can be taken advantage of. Some of these include:
- Drastically improves lymphatic drainage
- Supports the veins
- Decreases orthostatic hypotension (feelings of dizziness when standing)
- Reduces leg swelling
- Averts blood from gathering in your leg veins
- Aids in the prevention of venous
- Reverses venous hypertension ulcers
There are three types of socks available on the market: Nonmedical Support Hosiery, Anti-Embolism Stockings, and Graduated Compression Stockings from Lasso Gear.
Purchasing them is easy, they are usually available in health pharmacies and online, however, if it is prescribed to you, your insurance may be able to cover it. They usually come in different strengths and sizes but it is something you will need to speak to your medical practitioner about before you buy them, as they know which work best in treating which condition. When wearing them they need to feel comfortable and slightly tight so they don’t gather up. The length of wearing them is usually determined by your doctor or the instructions on the product packaging itself. It is important not to wear them during a shower or in the bath.
