Compression Hose & Stockings
The superficial venous system is most often affected by varicose veins. Graduated compression stockings (GCSs) are a recognized effective nonsurgical option to
prevent and treat lower limb varicose veins.
Graduated compression hosiery helps prevent leg fatigue, ankle and foot swelling, mild spider veins and varicose veins by improving circulation in the legs. Elegant in its sheerness, these support hose give comfortable, preventative support while still remaining fashionable.
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Graduated Compression Socks for Men and Women
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Graduated Compression Hose Knee High
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Graduated Compression Hose - Thigh High
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Graduated Compression Thigh High w/Lace
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Graduated Compression Pantyhose
Compression therapy is an essential part of the prevention and
treatment of venous diseases that affect the lower limbs. Graduated
compression stockings (GCSs) provide a convenient method of maintaining
pressure while allowing ambulation. Many studies have demonstrated that
proper compression magnitudes and gradients can provide support to the
superficial venous system and accelerate lower limb blood circulation.
Not just for Grandma. Compression
garments are no longer the stereotypical "grandma stockings" as so many
still refer to them. With new technology, fibers, and understanding of
various conditions, compression hose look more like regular hose or
socks.
More than a sock. Compression
garments are more than just "socks." Depending on the condition being
treated, its severity, and the treatment options, compression can be
used on just about every part of the body.
Graduated compression. Gradient compression delivers a squeezing to the leg that is tightest at the ankle. The degree of squeezing or compression gradually decreases up the leg. This compression, generally expressed in mmHg (millimeters of mercury) provides two main benefits:
- Increase the pressure in the tissues beneath the skin thus reducing excess leakage of fluid from the capillaries and increasing absorption of tissue fluid by the capillaries and lymphatic vessels. Compression therefore reduces and helps prevent swelling.
- Control the size (diameter) of superficial veins beneath the stocking. The stocking does not allow these superficial veins to over expand with blood. This action helps prevent "pooling".
Compression
therapy has been repeatedly proven effective in the treatment and
prevention of venous disorders. Medical research has shown that
stockings are effective in reducing leg symptoms only when the
compression is graduated,
meaning the pressure is greatest at the ankle and sequentially less up
the leg. The compression of the hosiery physically reduces the
circumference of the limb and the superficial veins. By decreasing the
size of the veins, blood flows faster, which helps prevent the blood
from pooling and the chances of developing a thrombus.
How compression works. Graduated
compression stockings exert significant influences on the cutaneous
pressure distribution and magnitudes along the path of main superficial
veins. Different testing locations and body postures induced
variations on the pressure performances. Proper lower limb exercises
are still recommended when wearing compression stockings. Compression
therapy can also improve valve functioning. As the vein diameter is
reduced, the valve cusps are moved back to a correct overlapping
position, allowing for proper functioning. Additionally, compression
stockings can reinforce the varicosity, making it less symptomatic and
less visible.
Compression Hose Classifications: (mmHg = millimeters of mercury )
- light compression—16 to 20 mm Hg
- class I stockings—20 to 30 mm Hg
- class II stockings—30 to 40 mm Hg
- class III stockings—40 to 50 mm Hg
Lite Compression, 9-12 & 15-20 mm Hg:
- Tired, aching legs and feet
- Mild foot and leg swelling
- Mild varicosities
- Standing, sitting or traveling for extended periods of time
- Preventative support
Moderate Compression, 20-30 mm Hg Class I:
- Chronic leg fatigue and heaviness
- Ankle, foot and leg swelling
- Mild varicosities
- Post surgical
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Preventative treatment during pregnancy
- Post-sclerotherapy
- Preventative for those with disposition for vein disease
Heavy Compression, 30-40 mm Hg Class II:
- Moderate varicosities
- Moderate edema
- Lymphatic edema
- Post-surgical
- Prevention and treatment of venous ulcers
- Venous insufficiency
- Prophylaxis of thrombosis
Anti-Emobolism, 18 mm Hg:
- Thrombo Embolic Deterrent
- Non-ambulatory, bed-ridden patients
- Pre- and post-surgical procedures
- Mild varicosities
The lower compression ranges (less
than 20 mm Hg) are preventative and can be worn by anyone wanting
healthy, great-feeling and looking legs. Today incredibly sheer,
lightweight and fashionable products are available in the lower
compressions.
Any individual with symptoms of venous disorders
should consult a physician to ascertain the correct therapy for the
specific leg condition. The physician should determine the style and
compression level.
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