Sitting for an extended period, whether in an office or any other work, comes with a few health complications; deep vein thrombosis is the most common problem that can further lead to other, more dangerous health conditions. To resolve these issues, compression stocking provides the best solution. Customized socks are made by measuring different points on the leg, such as ankle circumference, leg circumference, and others.
Socks are not just for giving warmth but can provide immense health benefits with a little pressure. Compression stockings apply a certain pressure on the leg, improving blood circulation and preventing blood clot formation.
What Are Compression Stockings for?
Compression stockings are specially made stretchy socks for upper and lower limbs. These act by providing a certain degree of pressure on the leg that is tighter around the ankle and gets loose when it goes up to the knee or thigh. To ensure that each stocking meets the needs of a specific user, thigh circumference and other measurements are taken, and then the manufactured hose is according to it.
There are three kinds of stockings available in the market. Non-medical socks do not need any prescription on purchase. But graduated or anti-embolism stockings require a prescription from a physician.
How do compression socks help?
Compression stocking offers several health benefits. Physicians recommend the type of stockings based on the health problem.
- Reduce swelling in the limb.
- Enhance blood circulation.
- Improves lymphatic drainage.
- It prevents orthostatic hypotension or low blood pressure in the leg that occurs when sitting for a long time.
- Prevent blood pooling in the veins of the legs.
- Help prevent venous ulcers.
- Prevent deep vein thrombosis in the leg.
- Prevent or reduce pain related to the varicose vein.
- Reverse venous hypertension.
Athletes, pregnant women, and people on an airplane can also benefit from these stockings by improving blood circulation and preventing pain and swelling.
How does It work?
Compression stockings facilitate by helping the arteries relax and better supply blood to the tissues. Also, help in pumping the blood back to the heart.
Compression stockings improve blood circulation and thus help in preventing dizziness when the user stands up after long hours of sitting. Thus it becomes difficult for the clots to form due to enhanced circulation that could otherwise cause swelling and discolored skin.
Tips for Wearing Compression Stockings
Compression stockings come in various sizes, lengths, colors, and pressure levels. These can be made customized as per the requirements of the patient. The nurse takes the measurements like ankle and thigh circumference and checks if these are a proper fit or not.
Users should wear the stockings like socks, starting from the foot and rolling towards the knee or thigh. Avoid bunching of the hose at any point while wearing it. The user will feel pressure after wearing it, but it should not be painful. These can be worn over slippers or shoes and look like normal socks.
Generally, physicians recommend wearing stockings during the day, which should be taken off at night. But, in certain medical conditions, the user can also wear them during sleep. Consult the physicians to know how long the user needs to wear stockings.
Measuring Compression Stockings by Circumference
To meet a patient's specific needs, a tailored made stocking is the best. Measuring through circumference is considered the most accurate way of stocking measurement. The instructions for stocking measurement of the upper and lower limb are given.
For Standard Leg, Below Knee MeasurementWith the patient standing, start taking measurements with the lateral malleolus up to the patella (lower side of the knee). Next, measure by taking the first (point zero) from the lateral malleolus and going up while marking at 5cm, 15cm, 25cm, and 30cm up to the knee.
All the measurements should be taken in centimeters. Measure the leg circumference at the marked points by keeping the tape against the skin. Make sure not to wrap the tape tightly; just warp it close enough to keep it in place.
To measure the foot, encircle the measuring tape around the heel and ankle band. Also, take the ankle circumference. After that, measure the circumference around the metatarsal heads. Finally, place the zero of the tape at the back of the heel and measure to the first metatarsal head.
- For Standard Thigh Measurement
Measure the thing by marking it on the lateral side and start with the point above the patella. I consider the patella point as zero; neither measure 5cm, 15cm, or 23cm above. After that, measure the thigh circumference of the thigh at these points. Remember to keep the tape in contact to the skin while taking measurements.
- For Standard Arm Measurement
Place the arm on the flat surface with the patient seated to get the right measurements. All the measurements should be taken with the palm and elbow slightly bent.
Start by measuring the palm circumference, followed by the wrist circumference, and mark at the dorsal side of the arm. Now take the elbow circumference. Then measure the rims of the mid-bicep and axilla. In the final step, keep the zero measuring tape on the wrist point, take up to the axilla point, and measure the whole length.
Picking the Right Compression Level for use
There are different levels of compression in stockings. The right compression level and tailored stockings with correct ankle circumference measurements are crucial for maximum benefits.
- Mild Compression
These are the best solution if the user is experiencing the symptoms of mild chronic venous insufficiency. These stockings enhance the healthy flow of blood from the legs.
- Moderate Compression
Moderate-level compression stockings are recommended for patients with a spider or varicose veins.
- Firm and Extra Firm Compression
These are used for serious health issues such as deep vein thrombosis, leg ulcers, and lymphatic edema. The stockings provide a little extra pressure to prevent DVT and other problems.
Taking Care of Compression Stockings
Always use cold or Luke warm water for washing. Choose to wash by hand and not in the washing machine. Also, avoid using fabric softener and dryer.