Compression stocking are special stocking knit in such a manner that they apply gentle pressure to the veins in your leg all the way around your ankles (and, depending on the length of the stocking, higher up your leg, sometimes all the way to the hip). Graduated compression is the distinguishing feature of compression stocking, knee-highs, thigh-highs, and leggings. The elastic in the stocking is weaveda to put more strain on the ankles and less pressure on the top of the stocking.
The veins in your legs must work against gravity to return blood to the lungs and heart, where it is oxygenated and recirculated throughout the body. Healthy veins have working valves that prevent blood from returning to your feet. These valves can be damaged by high blood pressure, illness, or stress, resulting in blood not flowing back up your legs. Compression stocking act against gravity to compensate for this issue.
Compression stocking are available in a variety of styles to meet a variety of demands.
There was a time when "support hose" was the only type of compression stocking available. They were almost always bought on doctor's orders, were almost always knee-high, were virtually always tan, and were almost always worn by women. These outdated, unpleasant stocking were then more commonly prescribed for males.
Compression stocking have been marketed in a variety of styles and colours since the 1990s. They have been prescribed for a growing number of medical ailments. They are now utilised to improve sports performance as well as to feel better after a long flight.
Modern compression stocking are classified into three types:
Anti-embolism stocking These doctor-prescribed stockings are used to treat patients who are confined to bed in order to lower the risk of blood clot formation, commonly following surgery. The compression in these stocking is graduated.
Medical compression stocking and stockings with graduated compression. A doctor will usually prescribe this type of compression stocking to treat chronic vein disease or lymphedema. The greatest compression is provided by graded compression stocking (and other types of graduated compression clothing for the lower body) around the ankle. As the stocking moves up the leg, the compression gradually lessens. This type of stocking is ideal for patients who are not restricted to bed.
Non-medical support stocking. These compression stocking apply consistent pressure along the full length of the stocking. They are less restrictive than medical compression stocking. They reduce edoema in healthy legs after a lengthy aircraft ride and make the legs feel lighter and more agile during sports activities.
What problems are treated by compression stocking?
Higher-pressure graduated compression stocking (typically 30 to 50 mmHg, measured in the same units as blood pressure) are used to treat a number of disorders characterised by impaired circulation through the veins in the legs or the lymphatic system. Here are a few examples:
Inadequate venous return. Venous insufficiency refers to a group of disorders caused by insufficient blood flow via the legs' larger and lesser saphenous veins. Venous insufficiency can cause skin that is red, itchy, burning, tingling, or sensitive. It may cause leg pain and muscular cramping. People with venous insufficiency in one or both legs have thin skin and ulcers that take a long time to cure.
Compression stocking are not a cure-all for venous insufficiency. They progressively reduce symptoms, and if you stop using your compression stocking, the benefits fade off in just a few days. The key to good compression stocking use is consistency.
Veins that are varicose. Varicose veins are large, blue blood vessels. They can be disfiguring, irritating, and uncomfortable. They can induce leg heaviness, itching, burning, numbness, swelling, sensory loss, leg cramps, or restless legs. They can cause skin sores, which may necessitate amputation.
Compression bandages can and are frequently used to treat varicose veins. The trouble with having your doctor treat your varicose veins using compression bandages is that they can function as mini-tourniquets, worsening the condition. The benefit of compression stocking is that they provide progressive compression, which maintains blood moving through the vein while also reducing swelling.
Lymphedema and edoema Swelling, stinging, burning, and muscular dysfunction in the legs can be caused by more than just inadequate blood circulation. A variety of disorders can result in impaired lymphatic circulation or fluid accumulation in the lower extremities. Compression stocking also help to move lymph and fluids up and out of the legs. They, like varicose veins, offer a benefit over compression bandages in that they do not allow lymph or fluid to collect anywhere on the leg's path up.
Pregnancy. The majority of pregnant women have hurting feet and legs. The accumulation of fluid and the growing foetus interfere with circulation through the veins in the centre of the body. Compression stocking, tights, and pantyhose can assist blood and fluid flow upward, relieving pressure in the feet, calves, and thighs.
It's important to remember that the benefits of compression stocking are all attributable to their capacity to assist your veins in fighting gravity. Compression stocking would be useless if you could hang from your feet like Count Dracula. Sleeping in compression stocking is generally not beneficial, providing you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.Those who have recently had vein surgery and have been told not to remove their compression stocking, people who are prone to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and those who experience orthostatic hypotension, feeling dizzy or passing out when they first stand up in the morning, are the main people who benefit from sleeping in compression stocking. However, the capacity of compression stocking to assist blood flow against gravity can be particularly beneficial in sports.
Running and active sports compression stocking
Wearing compression stocking can assist even persons with healthy veins. It's easy to see how light compression stocking, often labelled with 8 to 15 mmHg of non-graduated pressure, might help runners go faster and provide athletes, such as soccer players, a competitive advantage.
When you run hard, whether on a track or in a competitive match, your heart has to work extra hard to keep blood flowing so that your muscles get enough oxygen. If your muscles do not obtain enough oxygen, they will generate energy anaerobically by producing lactic acid, which causes a "burn."
Athletes that wear compression stocking have somewhat increased circulation to their calves and thighs. Muscles do not get as tense. They don't get as worked up. They have a lower chance of causing cramps or a charlie horse. And, because compression stocking exert equal pressure on both sides of the ankles, your brain receives more impulses from the various muscles that cross your ankle joints, giving you a bit more precision in your motions, which can sometimes be enough to give you a winning edge in a competition.
What effect does wearing compression stocking have?
During sports competition, wearing compression stocking enhanced blood flow through the calves and thighs by only 1%, according to one study. That may not seem like much, but in professional sports, every advantage counts. Another study found that wearing compression stocking after an exercise reduced muscular soreness by 20%. But even a small amount of relief can make a big impact if every workout gets a little easier.
Long flights and vehicle rides can be made more comfortable by wearing compression stocking.
Have you ever observed that when ladies go on vacation, they tend to wear pantsuits and slacks? Because their lower legs are bloated after a long flight or vehicle ride, many women (and some men) avoid revealing them for a few days. Wearing compression stocking while travelling might broaden your wardrobe options at your destination.
Swollen legs are caused by transportation that forces you to stay in your seat for four hours or longer, even if you have good vascular health. With your feet flat on the floor, your veins must work overtime to overcome gravity's pull for hours on end. Blood and fluid accumulate in your feet, ankles, and calves.
In those who have clotting factor deficiencies, this pooling of blood can contribute to clotting, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis, a potentially fatal disorder. Even if your clotting factors are normal, your legs and feet might accumulate a lot of blood and fluid.
Compression stocking keep circulation flowing, allowing you to wear your preferred shoes and attire when you get at your destination. You'll also feel more revitalised and prepared to enjoy your holiday.