Compression stockings are a type of stretchable stockings used for medical conditions or everyday lifestyle. They exert gentle pressure on the ankles and legs to ease pain and swelling by allowing smooth blood flow up from the legs to the heart.
Top Health Benefits of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are also known as compression socks. Various people wear them because of medical prescriptions, poor circulation, healthier lifestyle or for everyday comfort.
Three types of Compression stockings:
- Graduated compression stockings
- Anti-embolism compression stockings
- Non-medical support hosiery
Graduated Compression Stockings
These types of Compression stockings are conditionally fitted by a professional. They help in alleviating pain. Some compression socks do not extend beyond the knee to help prevent or reduce lower leg swelling. On the other hand, some socks extend to the thigh and waist to avoid orthostatic hypotension.
Anti-embolism Stockings
With these types of compression stockings, compression strength is slightly lower than Graduated Compression stockings. They are beneficial to immobile people who prefer open or closed-toe as an alternative option. Anti-embolism Compression stockings also help in reducing the risks of deep vein thrombosis.
Non-medical Support hosiery
These are compression stockings that require no prescription to use them. They exert less pressure and provide uniform compression on the legs, allowing free flow of blood up the heart and oxygenated blood towards the legs. They include an elastic support hose and flight socks—they are majorly helpful for tired and aching legs. You can find these stockings in These Compression stockings in Pharmacies and online.
Many people often question the effectiveness of compression stockings. Do they work? If so, what are their health benefits?
How they work
Compression stockings enhance adequate blood flow up from the legs to the heart by exerting pressure on your feet and legs. This causes the major blood vessels in your feet and legs to relax, allowing blood to flow freely. The action eases the work of the heart to pump blood through the veins.
Benefits of Compression stockings
- Reduce/ diminish leg swelling
- Improve blood circulation in the legs
- Enhance lymphatic drainage
- Prevent pooling of blood in the legs
- Support veins
- Ease pain caused by varicose veins
- Prevent venous ulcers
- Prevent deep vein thrombosis
- Reduce orthostatic hypotension, which causes instability when standing.
As you can see, compression stockings have numerous health benefits. However, some individuals can develop some side effects. These side effects range from minor to primary.
Here are some of the side effects and the probable causes:
Side Effects
- Inflammation/ breaking of the skin
- Inadequate oxygenated blood flow
- Peripheral nerve damage
- Heart failure
Causes of the Side Effects
- The individual might be allergic to the Compression stocking material
- The stockings don't fit properly
- If an individual has an infection
It is important to read instructions carefully before wearing compression stockings. Wearing them guarantees the user numerous benefits. Also, you can visit a doctor to guide and advise you if you aren't sure about wearing compression stockings and their effectiveness.