What Are They?
Compression stockings are made of stretchy fabric that is sewn into socks that gently squeezes your legs.You can buy them over the counter, but if your doctor prescribes them, your insurance may cover the cost.
Why wear them?
People wear compression stocking to help prevent serious medical conditions. It improves your blood flow, lessen pain, swelling in your legs and it can also lower your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a kind of blood clot, and other circulation problems.They come in different sizes and strengths, so you or your doctor will need to decide which option will work best.
What Kinds Are There?
Socks and sleeves come in different lengths to cover different parts of your body. For DVT, most stockings go to just below the knee, but you can get thigh-highs and tights, too.
They also have different levels of pressure, measured in mm Hg. Stockings should feel snug, but not painfully tight. Mild compression, with lower numbers, is usually enough to keep you comfortable on your feet at work. You'll need higher numbers with a firmer fit to prevent DVT.
Thrombo-embolic deterrent (TED) hose, or anti-embolism stockings, are designed for after surgery and when you need to stay in bed. If you can stand and move around, graduated compression stockings are better.
If you need the stockings for medical reasons, your doctor will measure your legs and prescribe the right ones for you.
How to Wear Them
1. Smooth out the stockings so they lie flat against your skin.
2. Make sure they aren't too long.
3. Don't fold or roll the tops down, because that can make them too tight. It could cause blood flow problems or cut off your circulation.
4. If your doctor told you to wear them, you'll probably want to keep them on most of the time.
5.Check with your doctor about how often and how long you need to use them.
