Medical Compression Stockings for Improved Blood Flow

Medical Compression Stockings are a type of tight-fitting stocking made to help improve blood circulation by applying pressure to the feet and legs. These compression stockings offer effective relief from swelling, pain, discomfort, and ulceration caused by circulation problems.

The benefits of compression stockings can be seen with many medical conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, chronic venous stasis ulcers, deep vein thrombosis,  or leg plastering/packing after severe injury.

Benefits of Wearing Medical Compression Stockings

Some of the benefits include:

• Boost Circulation in the Legs
  Medical Compression Stockings are an essential and integral part of many treatments. These stockings help boost blood circulation to the feet and legs by applying pressure on the legs and feet. The increased flow of blood helps reduce pain.
• Prevent Swelling
  Blood flow is an important factor in preventing swelling in the leg, the compression stockings help maintain the balance between the inflow of fluid towards the venous system and the outflow of fluid towards the lymphatic system through lymphatic vessels. This results in the prevention or reduction of swelling or edema thus less pain too.
• Increase flexibility
  The compression factors that are found in the stockings help prevent and reduce swelling by increasing the flexibility of veins. The flexible veins can absorb more of the pressure from around them thereby improving circulation.
• Reduce Pain
  The continuous contact between the skin and hosiery has beneficial effects on varicose veins, skin is toughened when subject to compression, and injured areas are allowed to heal. It also helps in preventing pain due to venous insufficiency. The increased blood flow can also reduce pain due to inflammations, phlebitis, or varicose veins.
• Improve lymphatic drainage
  The health benefits of Medical Compression Stockings come in handy when there is impaired lymphatic drainage and about two-thirds of the lymph passes through the leg. The compression helps improve circulation, leading to better drainage of fluids from the legs, thereby inhibiting edema and swelling.
• Reduce orthostatic hypotension
  This is a condition, which involves a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing after a period of rest or sitting. This condition can be extremely dangerous as it may lead to fainting, dizziness, and falls which can result in injuries. Wearing compression stockings helps reduce orthostatic hypotension by improving venous return and reducing the pooling of blood in the lower limbs.
• Prevent blood clots
  As an important factor in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), compression stockings help maintain edema and swelling which may be caused by air travel and also due to an injury resulting from lying down for long periods. The stockings play a vital role in preventing blood clots and emboli which could otherwise lead to serious and even fatal conditions.
• Reduce ankle swelling
  Medical Compression Stockings can help reduce swelling in the lower leg due to ankle injury or post-surgery. The compression provided by the stockings helps elasticize the veins and thereby reduces swelling.
• Improve oxygenation of legs
  Compression stockings help increase blood flow to the extremities which increases oxygen supply to the lower limbs, improving their health. It also helps reduce edema thus improving lymphatic drainage.
• Relieve Venous Ulcer Pain
  The continuous pressure and contact between the skin and the hosiery help the skin to toughen. When the healing process is complete, the stockings can be easily removed without inflicting pain or leaving scarring on the skin. It is also beneficial for people who are suffering from venous ulcers because it can prevent infection and reduce pain.

Compression Levels and Advantages of a Custom Fitting to Get the Right Size

The compression factor and the amount of pressure vary with different compression stockings, higher compression levels are usually prescribed to those who are suffering from severely weakened and damaged veins. There are different kinds of compression stockings available in the market, based on these there is a wide variety of benefits that you can get from wearing these stockings.

Custom fitting of Medical Compression Stockings is necessary to get the right sizes and incorporate the right compression factor that can be best suited to the patient. The stockings are also provided with relevant medical information regarding the products.

Compression stockings are available in orderly, easily adjustable compression levels, depending on the patient’s requirements and according to the clinical protocols which are available through clinical specialists.

Advantages of Quality Over Price (custom fitted Medical Compression Stockings vs off shelf)

There are many factors that an individual should look into when buying compression stockings. Not only the price but also the quality of the material and the availability of features such as anti-microbial material to fight infections.

Custom-fitted Medical Compression Stockings are better than off-shelf stockings as these come with custom sizing, which is usually not possible with off-the-shelf stockings. Off-the-shelf stockings are usually not the perfect size and not as durable as custom-fitted ones.

Conditions That Can be Treated Using Compression Stockings

Some of the circulation-related conditions that can be treated using compression stockings include:

• Venous ulcer
  A venous ulcer is a painful, inflamed sore that occurs in the legs and feet. An injury to the leg or veins can often lead to a varicose vein. In some cases, an individual might develop varicose veins if they have a hereditary factor that causes weak veins. This condition is known as Varicose Veins. Venous ulcers can be treated using compression stockings as it helps in reducing swelling thus providing relief from the pain associated with the same.
• Varicose veins
  Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins fail to work properly, causing them to swell and form bulges. This makes them appear like blue or red spaghetti noodles which can be painful and can also cause pressure on nearby blood vessels. Sometimes the term “blue-veined” is used, meaning that the vein has blue spots because of a proliferation of blood in it. Varicose veins can be treated either by surgery or with compression stockings. The procedure may not always be necessary depending on the severity of the condition and how carefully it has been diagnosed by your doctor.
• Osteoarthritis
  Osteoarthritis is the inflammation of a joint. In the case of osteoarthritis, an individual may have pain in the joints that affects their ability to perform daily tasks. The etiology that causes this condition remains unknown. Compression stockings provide relief from swelling and pain and are known to be used in some major medical conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, venous insufficiency, bone disorders, varicose veins, etc. Some cases of osteoarthritis may be treated by wearing a compression stocking.
• Postpartum Hypertension Syndrome
  Excess pain and swelling of the legs as a result of postpartum bleeding is known to be known as Postpartum Hypertension. It is aggravated by weight gain after pregnancy. This occurs when the uterus stops producing enough oxytocin, causing the blood vessels to dilate resulting in increased blood flow to the kidneys and feet. The compression stockings reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Medical Compression Stockings for Men

It is a known fact that women usually get affected by conditions such as varicose veins and DVT, but men too can suffer from the same. Hence there is a need to understand the importance of compression stockings for men and how they can benefit from wearing them.

Compression stockings for men help in preventing blood clots and also in improving blood circulation in the legs which helps in relieving pain experienced by the patient.

Medical Compression Stockings for Women

Studies have shown that women are more susceptible to conditions such as varicose veins and related symptoms, due to factors such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and a greater likelihood of sedentary jobs and lifestyles. Wearing compression stockings can help prevent conditions worsening and provide relief from symptoms such as swelling and discomfort.

It’s important to note that both men and women can benefit from wearing compression stockings, especially if they have a history of circulation problems or are at risk for developing them.

Insurance Coverage

Medical Compression Stockings are usually covered by insurance, but amount of coverage can depend on the insurance policy. If a portion of the expense isn’t covered by the individual policy, the remaining balance is always tax deductible as a medical expense.