when poor circulation causes blood and/or tissue fluid to pool in the legs.when the legs are tired and aching because of slow blood flow in the legs, which can be an indicator of deep vein thrombosis.What Health Conditions Respond Favorably to Compression Stockings?

This compression helps in circulating lymph fluid and blood through the legs in people not able to move around. Anti-embolism stockings, like gradient compression stockings, deliver an even amount of compression from the ankle up the leg. They are used to support the lymphatic and venous drainage of the legs. This is where the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart.Īnti-embolism compression stockings are commonly referred to as TED hose, ThromboEmbolism-Deterrent hose. Chronic peripheral venous insufficiency is a common indicator for the prescription of these stockings. Diabetic’s legs are prone to excessive swelling. In some cases, gradient compression stockings are worn by those who are at increased risk of circulatory problems, such as diabetics. They are worn by those who are able to walk, assisting the calf muscles to perform their pumping action more efficiently to return blood back to the heart. But athletes can benefit from these stockings as well. They are typically recommended for those who are likely to get blood clots, lower limb edema, and blood pooling in the legs and feet from extended periods of inactivity or sitting. These stockings are made in such a way so that the compression level is highest around the ankle and lessens as it goes to the top of the hose. Gradient compression stockings are designed to fix circulation problems caused by the leg vein valves not working properly. They also come in two types, gradient and anti-embolism. Compression stockings are available in a wide range of colors, styles and sizes, making them unable to be distinguished from regular hosiery or socks. Various clothing have been developed to improve muscle efficiency by stabilizing muscles and improving circulation and lactic acid removal. The sports science industry has also adopted the utilization of compression wear. For custom made support, compression ranges from 18-21 mmHg, 23-32 mmHg, 34-46 mmHg, and >50 mmHg. With the advice of a medical professional, the compression ranges from 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg, 40-50 mmHg and 50+ mmHg. Over the counter compression ranges from 10-15 mmHg and 15-20 mmHg. Since compression stockings are made of elastic fibers to help with circulation, they come in different levels of compression, and the unit of measure used to categorize the pressure is mmHg. This helps reduce the enlargement of veins and arteries, increasing circulation, which means more blood returns to the heart and less blood pools at the feet. They are tightest at the ankles and gradually become less constricting toward the knees and upper leg. Unlike traditional dress or athletic stockings, compression stockings use stronger elastics to create significant pressure on the feet, ankles, and legs. They can also guard against venous disorders from progressing further. At this point, an individual should seek medical help immediately.Įfficacious ways to help prevent blood clots are to wear special stockings called compression stockings, wear loose-fitting clothing, raise the legs 6 inches above the heart from time to time, do exercises given by a doctor, do not sit or stand for more than 1 hour at a time, eat less salt, try not to bump or hurt the legs, try not to cross the legs, do not use a pillow under the knees, raise the bottom of the bed 4-6 inches with blocks or books, and take all medicines the doctor prescribes.Ĭompression stockings are a specialized hosiery designed to help prevent venous disorders from occurring. A blood clot may have gone to the lungs if a person is suddenly having a hard time breathing, or experiences chest pain, a fast heartbeat, fainting spells, a mild fever, or a cough with or without blood. Symptoms of a blood clot can be new swelling in an arm or leg, skin redness, soreness or pain in an arm or leg, or a warm spot on a leg. It is extremely important to know the signs and symptoms of DVT and acquire appropriate treatment right away. Other risk factors are comprised of having had cancer or being treated for it, paralysis or stroke, bad veins, a family member who has had a blood clot, taking long trips for durations longer than an hour in a car, airplane, bus or train, being obese, or taking hormones. Older women and men are most at risk of DVT, but younger women can also be subject to it during childbearing years. Blood clots, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), most often occur in people who can’t move around well or who have had recent surgery or an injury. They can break loose and move to other parts of the body, including the lungs. Blood clots can be very dangerous and form in the veins of legs, arms and the groin. Poor circulation can cause the blood to clot.

Jobst thigh high compression stockings