Prescription
Compression stockings are a form of stocking used for medical purposes. Made of a strong, elastic fabric, the stockings often run from the foot to the thigh at varying pressures based on the amount of pressure required.
Stockings are prescribed for a number of conditions, ranging from minor--pregnancy or lack of blood flow due to diabetes--to major, including post-surgical patients at risk of blood clots. The firmest socks are prescribed to those who are experiencing severe cases of lymphedema, which is swelling and fluid retention in the body. In addition to their treatment capabilities, compression socks also are able to prevent conditions such as blood clots that can form while traveling, such as on a long plane ride.
Compression stockings also help to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or the build up of blood clots in the legs. In addition to the risk of a blood clot breaking off and reaching the heart, DVT can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms such as swelling, itching, cramping or numbness. While most people take blood-thinning medication for these conditions, compression stockings help to directly affect the site of the potential problem.
Application
Once a physician or physical therapist recommends wearing the stockings, a person puts them on upon waking in the morning. Stockings that reach the knee often are more tolerable to the wearer than those that extend above the knee; this can determine how long a person is able to wear the stockings.
When the stockings are on, the material grips tightly around the legs. The compression helps to squeeze the leg muscles when a person is sitting as well as when moving. This motion mimics that of the calf muscle, which applies a firm pressure to the lower parts of the leg in order to encourage blood flow.
Compression
The stockings help to constantly squeeze and release the leg muscles. The result is that blood flows away from the legs, where clots can build, and pushes the blood back to the heart. The compression socks help to compensate for lack of motion (particularly following surgery), which is a contributing factor to blood clots.
In addition to reducing blood clotting, compression socks help to reduce swelling in the feet that can result from poor circulation. The compression socks keep muscles tightly close together, which minimizes muscle fatigue.
The socks should be removed at night and the legs kept elevated.
