Blog What You Need to Know About Compression Stockings Before You Buy

Compression stockings can offer more than just warmth and dryness to your feet. They can improve various health conditions and even prevent them. 

A compression sock - or compression stocking - assists with reducing swelling in the legs and ankles of the wearer by applying gentle pressure. A compression sock can improve blood flow between the legs and the heart.

Compression socks have been shown to provide additional benefits and reduce swelling and pain in the legs and ankles. When applied to the legs, the pressure reduces the extra fluid, and inflammation reduces, resulting in improved blood flow through the veins to the heart. Learn more about what compression stockings available at Sky Medical Supplies can do for you! 

What are compression stockings?

Patients with varicose veins, skin ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis may benefit from compression stockings. The problem is that there are many types of socks, and they have to fit well. Your doctor will tell you which ones are right for you.

Typically, varicose veins are treated with compression stockings. Compression stockings promote blood circulation in the legs. The effect of this can be to prevent skin ulcers and to prevent the buildup of blood in the legs.

Stockings with prescriptions are tightest at the foot. The tightness decreases as you go up to your leg.

Without a prescription, you can buy them with lighter elastic. With this, the pressure is even on both legs. These are not as expensive. Yet they do not provide the compression required for treating severe symptoms or preventing skin ulcers.

How wearing compression stockings can help.

Legs can become tired and achy if compression stockings are not worn. Furthermore, they've proved effective in reducing swelling in limbs, feet, and ankles and preventing - and, to some extent, treating - varicose veins and spider veins. You will not feel dizzy or lightheaded if you stand up after using them.

Levels of Compression

Compression garments are available in various designs, but the most popular are those designed for the lower body, like compression socks or stockings. From light, through mild, to extra firm, they are available in 5 levels of compression.

A mild compression garment, for example, can help people with healthy circulation who are suffering from mild symptoms like swelling of the legs or ankles. People who spend a lot of time sitting or standing in one position can benefit from using these, which can generally be purchased over the counter.

Most doctors recommend medium compression stockings, the most commonly worn type of compression garment. They can be purchased at your local pharmacy just like mild compression socks and will alleviate achy or tired limbs and reduce swelling. Additionally, tighter compression can alleviate discomfort caused by abnormal veins, such as varicose and spider veins (CVI).

It is only advisable to wear athletic compression socks when your doctor recommends them. A compression stocking is worn chiefly to treat more severe limb conditions like lymphatic edema, dropping blood pressure upon standing (known as orthostatic hypertension), leg ulcers, and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).

These garments address minor complaints like swelling and varicose veins, but people with more complex limb issues are more likely to use firm compression garments.

Last but not least, we have extra firm and firm clothes. It should only be used in the most severe venous problems, such as lymphedema, and should not be used unless a doctor recommends it.

How do you use compression stockings?

You might want to wash the stockings before putting them on if they are brand new. This can help them stretch more easily. Hand-washing is ideal.

Stockings are best put on in the morning most of the time. Legs are at their least swollen in the morning. You shouldn't use other lotion or cream on your legs if your stockings contain latex or you aren't sure if they do. You can apply other lotions or creams if you do not wear socks.

Apply talcum powder or silicone lotion to your legs for easier-fitting stockings.

You will need a chair with a back as you put on the stockings. You can pull the socks up by having a back to lean upon.

Putting compression socks on

It is just like putting on any other sock - pull the socks over the foot, unroll up the leg, and pull the stockings over the foot. You can use talcum powder on your feet or legs if you have difficulty getting compression socks. Ensure the compression sock is fully cinched up to evenly distribute the compression across your feet and legs. Make sure not to bunch the hose in one particular spot. You should be able to wear compression socks comfortably without experiencing pain.

It may be a good idea to wear rubber gloves. Rubber gloves can make holding the stockings easier.

You may consider using silk "slip socks" instead of stockings without toes (you can get them from your medical supplier). This will make it easier for the hose to slip over your foot. After you're done, pull off the sock through the toe opening.

A "stocking butler" holds the stocking open while you step into it. If you still have trouble getting your socks on, you might consider using it. People with problems grasping, leaning, or pulling may benefit from this therapy. It is recommended that you try it first. They can be challenging to use for some people.

Take care of your compression socks.

If you take them off before bed, your compression socks will remain comfortable throughout the day (unless your doctor recommends otherwise). If the compression socks fit correctly, however, you should not feel pain or discomfort while wearing them for most of the day. Compression socks should be purchased in at least two pairs so that you can wash and dry them between each use, just as you would with

Medical-grade compression stockings near me

Above, you have studied the facts about compression socks and how you can benefit from them if you suffer from circulatory or vein problems. If you suffer from leg pain or swelling or have unsightly veins, there is no better option than medical supply compression stockings. 

Sky Medical Supplies is the best compression stocking supplier in Denver, Colorado, and its surrounding. You can visit their website to check out the other medical-grade compression stocking available. It would be easier for you to call me and get further details regarding medical supply compression stockings.