What is Compression Stocking?

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What is compression stocking is something you must know. These stockings or socks are made of hosiery material. They are helpful in increasing blood circulation. However, its main focus is to give proper pressure on lower leg and foot. In some cases, it is also helpful in curing circulatory problems like phlebitis, edema and thrombosis. Compared to traditional dress stockings, these stockings have strong elastics which give proper pressure needed on the legs, feet and ankles. The stockings fit tight on the ankles and later become less constrictive towards the thigh and knees. There are two types of compression stocking: Anti-embolism and Gradient.

What is Compression Stocking?

Types of Compression Stockings

  1. Anti-Embolism Compression Stockings: These stockings are also known as T.E.D hose. Such stockings are designed for supporting lymphatic and venous drainage of the leg.
  2. Gradient Compression Stockings: These stockings provide effective results on pain relief. They are proved to be remedy on "Musculovenous pump" which is the result of incompetent leg vein valves. The stockings are woven in such a way where compression level is more near the ankle and less at the top of the hose.

How Compression Stockings Work?

The stocking works when pressure is applied on the veins in your leg. This is known as graduated compression stockings. At this point of time, the pressure is more at your ankle. When you walk or perform some kind of exercise with your legs, these stocking help to pump the mechanism of the muscles and thus improve circulation.

The stockings are available at affordable prices. It provides effective and quick results. You get such stockings in different sizes and lengths. They are also classified from class one to three. Class one stocking gives less pressure, whereas class three stockings gives high pressure.

Need of Compression Stockings

  1. Compression stockings are helpful in many ways. The product mainly focuses on relieving any kind of swelling that has taken place due to injury. These stockings give effective comfort and cause less pain. The blood circulation becomes smooth. It promotes blood circulation in your limbs. It is also known for curing the problem related with poor circulation like leg ulcers.
  2. Other than this, it prevents blood clots to get developed in the leg. It is more beneficial for people having thrombosis disorders like varicose veins. However, there are many other situations also, where compressions stockings have proved to be beneficial.
  • Venous Ulcers
  • Burn Scars
  • Venous Eczema
  • Aching, tired legs
  • Lymphedema
  • DVT Prevention (deep vein thrombosis)
  • PTS (post-thrombotic syndrome)
  • Spider veins
  • Lipodermatosclerosis (gradual hardening/thickening of the fatty tissue below the skin due to high pressure in the surrounding veins)
  • Varicose Veins
  • Swelling (edema)

These stockings are advantageous in many ways, using it carelessly can cause serious problems. The stockings should not be too strong or tight. In case you are a patient of arthritis, then such stockings are not advised. The stocking are usually visible. However, they come in a variety of colors. You can choose the one that you like. For women, the skin tone color is preferable whereas for men, black is more popular. The stockings are elasticized. They are made of rubber or some kind of elastic fibers that compresses the leg and improves blood circulation.

To tell you in short on what is compression stockings, the answer would be an inexpensive way for treating varicose veins. You get these stockings at affordable prices and are designed to provide a good pressure from higher compression at the ankle with low compression as you move up the leg. The compression is measured in mmHg.