How Do Compression Stockings Work?
Compression socks or stockings help improve blood flow by putting slight pressure on your legs and working with your calf muscle pump. The arteries that take oxygen-rich blood to your muscles can relax, so blood flows freely. This also helps blood flow from your legs to your heart. Pressure from the stockings gently puts pressure on your legs to help your blood vessels work better, help prevents swelling and blood clots.
Types and Strengths of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings come in different lengths and styles. There is a variety of styles for men and women that vary from knee-high, thigh-high, pantyhose and maternity. There are different compression levels as well which are measured in mmHg, millimeters of mercury.
Light Compression Stockings
If you want to wear compression stockings because you're on your feet most of the day, combat mild swelling or tired legs, use a mild compression hose. You should use a mild compression of 15-20 mmHg.
Moderate Compression Stockings
If you want to prevent swelling, spider veins, varicose veins deep, use a stocking with a higher mmHg number, 20-30 mmHg. Pregnant women are also finding wearing compression stockings help with heaviness and swelling in their legs.
Heavy or Medical Grade Compression Stockings
Those who have severe leg swelling, a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), would benefit from a higher level of compression, 30-40 mmHg. Which would be considered a medical-grade class II.
Who Should Use Them?
Some people may believe compression stockings are mainly for older people with vein issues in their legs. However, that's not the case. A wide variety of people use compression stockings and more people could benefit from using them. Do you match any of the descriptions below?
People who stand or sit all day at work
Athletes
Pregnant Women
Those who spend long periods of time on airplanes
Those with or at risk for circulation problems like DVT, varicose veins, or diabetes
People who have just had surgery
Can't leave their bed or have difficulty moving their legs
How Should You Wear Compression Stockings?
The stockings should lie flat against your skin, make sure there is no bunching. Socks should feel snug but not painfully tight. Do not roll or fold down the top or bottom of the stocking. Doing so would cause them to be too tight, blood flow problems, or cut off circulation.
You should keep the stockings on for most of the day, except when you shower or bathe. It is always good to check with your doctor about how often and how long you should wear them.
Are Compression Stockings Right for You?
It's important to consult a vein doctor to determine the proper pressure for your legs. Wearing compression socks in the morning and taking them off before going to bed can alleviate swelling. Compression stockings are affordable, but often a temporary solution that is recommended by our doctors in certain cases.
At Physicians Vein Clinics, we offer a free screening for every patient to help you diagnose various venous-related issues. Our vein doctors are board-certified and have years of experience in treating vein diseases and vein-related symptoms. We have several convenient vein treatment locations across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.