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All you need to know about Compression Stockings

Posted On : Feb-26-2010 | seen (1731) times | Article Word Count : 1026 |

Compression stockings or compression socks or support hose are hosiery that are worn in the feet to improve circulation of blood in the areas.
If you are in a job that requires sitting in one place for long hours or requires long hours of traveling, then I am sure you have experienced the heaviness in your feet at the end of the day, largely caused due to problems in blood circulation, which in turn is due to long periods of inactivity. Moreover, people with varicose veins and other similar conditions also feel the difficulty in proper blood circulation in their feet, especially if they have long hours where they have to sit or stand during work. Use of compression stockings or compression socks and support hose are a good way to ensure proper blood circulation in the lower body areas as well as ensure that you do not feel tired at the end of the day.

What are Compression stockings or socks?

Compression stockings or compression socks or support hose are hosiery that are worn in the feet to improve circulation of blood in the areas. It is often seen that people with sedentary lifestyles have problems of blood circulation, where the blood instead of traveling back to the heart through the veins, often pools at the feet, thereby affecting proper circulation of blood in the body. Medical experts believe that poor circulation of blood can be the precursor to various diseases and ailments as well as infections. Therefore, in order to prevent it, experts have advised the use of compression therapy or the graded compression therapy, which uses simple compression techniques to ensure proper blood flow in the body.

These compression socks apply pressure to the lower leg and foot and ensure that the blood moves towards the heart from this region. The difference between such socks or stockings and the regular ones is that they use elastic, which is stronger and creates more pressure on the legs. The nature of these socks is such that they apply pressure on the muscles, veins and arteries in the leg, which in turn ensures that blood is circulated through narrower regions. This in turn ensures that the blood is actually pushed upward towards the heart, thereby ensuring proper blood circulation. Good compression stockings are really tight around the ankle and loose around the knees, which allow it to do its job in a proper manner. Support hose is an excellent remedy for those with the problem of varicose veins, especially during pregnancy, as it helps support the entire region.

Benefits of Compression Hosiery

The primary benefit of using compression hosiery, apart from its actual utility is that compression stockings, compression socks and the Support Hose are available in a variety of materials and colors, which is a direct contrast to the earlier medical contraptions available in the market. The sheer variety of materials and colors ensure that the user does not have to feel awkward wearing such socks or stockings. Moreover, manufacturers of compression stockings, compression socks and support hose have tried to ensure that these actually suit the occasion, in case it needs to be worn out during various functions.

The second benefit of using such compression hosiery is that you can purchase it over the counter without any prescription from a medical expert. However, if you have a severe condition of varicose veins, it is advisable that you seek medical advice before actually using such contraptions.

Thirdly and most importantly, these medical aids actually help in promoting better health in terms of better circulation and proper support. Additionally, for those who do not like to show their varicose veins or delicate vein structure, these contraptions help hide these unwanted structures from public view, thereby acting as cosmetic aids. Pregnant women benefit a lot from using such compression stockings or socks and support hose as the entire blood system has to transport twice the normal quantity of blood and is more susceptible to problems. Lastly, you can prevent occurrence of severe problems like the DVT or deep vein thrombosis.

Tips for Buying Compression Hosiery

Like with any other medical aid, it is important to understand the reason for buying compression stockings or compression socks and support hose. There are several reasons for buying such contraptions, including,

• Preventing fatigue of the leg while on the job
• To prevent legs from becoming tired and aching
• Extensive traveling
• Prevention or as treatment for varicose veins
• To prevent swelling of legs during pregnancy
• Treating disorders like lymphedema, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PST)
• Lastly, as supportive aid for post surgery therapy

While these are some of the reasons for buying compression hosiery, it is important to understand that each problem will have a different solution. Therefore, identifying the reason for buying compression socks or compression stockings or support hose is extremely important, especially if you want to buy the right pair. This is largely because, understanding the reason will help you identify the exact amount of compression as well as type of compression that is required for your legs.

Compression types include light compression, therapeutic compression and medical grade compression, which can be light, medium or heavy, depending on the problem that you want the compression hosiery to address. Light compression stockings or socks is excellent for curing the problem of tired and aching legs, while therapeutic compression hosiery is excellent for addressing the light spider veins. Similarly, medical grade compression can be used for treating a variety of problems and disorders including, pregnancy related swelling, post surgical therapy and severe conditions like lymphedema, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PST) and the like.

Once the medical condition has been established, the next step is to choose the exact length that you want covered. Compression stockings are available in styles that cover till the knees or thighs or even in the panty support hose style. Choices also include whether you want to leave your toes open or closed in the stocking, which largely depends on your attire as well as the event you are attending. Lastly, while buying compression hosiery care must be taken to ensure that you buy good quality ones that last.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_All you need to know about Compression Stockings_12022.aspx

Author Resource :
compression stockings, compression socks and support hose are extremely important medical contraptions that help prevent pooling of blood in the legs and improve blood circulation in the region along with the overall health of the lower body.

Keywords : compression stockings, compression socks, support hose,

Category : Health and Fitness : Fitness Equipment

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