Compression therapy is the use of stockings or tights woven in such a way to provide a level of compression on the legs to help those who need a medical solution to blood clots, edema, blood pooling in the legs. Some are more prone to such conditions, especially when sitting or long periods of inactivity, for example, prolonged air travel.
First, before discussing compression therapy, should be distinguished between the "Graduated Compression Stockings" and "anti-embolism" stockings. These are two different things!
graduated, or "gradient" compression stockings with compression level that begins with the most compression at the ankle, with slightly lower levels of compression to the legs.
Anti-embolism stockings, also known as TED stockings or TED hose (thrombosis embolic deterrent), a key difference from the graduated compression stockings. compression on a couple of TED stockings have equal compression from ankle to the leg. Therefore, they can help blood circulation and lymphatic fluid in the legs to prevent clots from forming. (Venous)
Here are some health reasons, often compression therapy garments are prescribed:
Lipodermatosclerosis - skin related disease, probably caused by venous disease, where the layer of fat beneath the skin becomes inflamed. This can lead to ulceration if not treated, and is most common in middle-aged women.
Peripheral Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) - CVI is a condition in which damaged or dysfunctional blood valves can not pump oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. It is usually in the legs, and occurs in women, and people who have suffered a leg injury. Compression stockings, in some cases, are used to promote proper circulation.
varicose vein - Varicose veins are unsightly veins that protrude through the skin. They are caused by valves in the vein does not fill up properly when the blood pump, succumbing to pressure and causes the blood flow downward with gravity. They can be painful and itchy and scratching them can cause ulcers to form. There are many treatments available for varicose veins, and therapeutic and surgical. a doctor who specializes in vein care, known as phlebologist, can provide the best solution. Often, compression stockings are recommended by doctors to relieve pain, stop swelling, improve blood circulation.
Lymphedema - AKA "lymphatic obstruction", this condition is when the lymphatic system swells due to fluid retention. fluid usually returns to recirculated blood and tissue, but with lymphedema, the fluid builds up, causing swelling of the limbs, fatigue / tiredness, and if left untreated, deformity. Lymphedema is often hereditary, because of compromised lymph nodes of the system, or after surgery that compromises the system of lymph nodes.
the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - DVT is a condition affecting about 350,000 American adults annually. It is a clot that forms deep in the legs, common among patients after surgery, frequent air travelers, hormonal contraceptives, obesity. Compression stockings to prevent DVT and in the end its deadly counterpart, pulmonary embolism (PE ).
athletic activities - In any type of running, swimming, boxing, cycling, golf or any athletic exercises, foot and leg muscles are working hard. When the calves and thighs get sore, common to lactic acid build up in muscle fibers. Wearing a lower compression 15-20mmHg compression athletic socks is proven to help speed up recovery time and relieve swollen, achy feet.
Getting compression stockings, socks and stockings prescribed
If you have a history, or experiencing symptoms of the above conditions, you should consult a specialist vein and / or your physician before any self-prescribing compression stockings. While most healthy people can carry 15-20mmhg levels of compression socks, no more like 30-40mmhg can do more harm than good in some individuals, such as blockage of the arteries or blood pooling in the leg parts. Always consult your health care professional before treatment with high compression!
Generally, doctors will measure the ankle brachial index (ABI), leg - which must be> 1.0 to wear compression stockings. doctor or nurse can be responsible for the proper size of your medical socks, accurate sizing is critical to ensure maximum medical benefit. If you need a higher compression level, your doctor will know and recommend the level of compression accordingly.
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