Compression Hose and Stockings
Compression therapy is an essential part of the prevention and treatment of venous diseases that affect the lower limbs. Graduated compression stockings 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.
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.
The superficial venous system is most often affected by varicose veins. Graduated compression stockings 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.
Note: 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. The lower compression ranges (less than 20 mm Hg) are preventative and can be worn by anyone wanting healthy, great-feeling and looking legs.
Benefits of Compression Stockings
86% of the population will at one time have some form of venous disease.
Medical statistics show that by 50 years of age 67% of women and 50% of men will be afflicted with varicose veins.
Venous diseases annually affect millions of people and result in billions in medical costs and lost productivity.
Virtually everyone experiences a decline in leg circulation and can benefit from graduated compression hosiery.
How Compression Hose work:
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.
Graduated compression stockings exert significant influences on the coetaneous 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:
Light compression—16 to 20 mm Hg
Class I stockings—20 to 30 mm Hg Requires a Prescription
Class II stockings—30 to 40 mm Hg Requires a Prescription
Class III stockings—40 to 50 mm Hg Requires a Prescription
Light Support Compression, 9-12 & 15-20 mm Hg:
Standing, sitting or traveling for extended periods of time, Mild varicosities, Mild foot and leg swelling, Preventative support, Preventative treatment during pregnancy.
Moderate Compression, 20-30 mm Hg Class I:
Ankle, foot and leg swelling, Chronic leg fatigue and heaviness, Post surgical, Preventative for those with disposition for vein disease, Mild varicosities, Preventative treatment during pregnancy
Heavy Compression, 30-40 mm Hg Class II:
Lymphatic edema, Prophylaxis of thrombosis, Post-surgical, Venous insufficiency, Moderate edema, Moderate varicosities, Prevention and treatment of venous ulcers.
Anti-Embolism, 18 mm Hg:
Non-ambulatory, bed-ridden patients, Pre- and post-surgical procedures, Mild varicosities, Thrombo Embolic Deterrent
Graduated Compression Pantyhose
Not only does Graduated Compression help prevent leg fatigue and ankle and foot swelling, but treats spider veins and varicose veins by improving circulation in the legs. These Pantyhose offer preventative support while still being fashionable for any manner of dress.
Compression pantyhose & hosiery.
Compression Knee Highs
Knee-high compression stockings reduce venous stasis in the legs by applying graduated levels of compression to the ankle and calf. Get relief for tired legs or ankles as well as treat varicose and spider veins.
