Compression stockings: from bottom to top!

Compression stockings, also called support stockings or support stockings, come in many forms and are used in many situations. They can make a huge difference in your health, quality of life, and the appearance of your legs.

Compression stockings improve the work of the veins by exerting pressure on them to help them bring blood back to the heart. The pressure exerted on the legs is constant. Maximum compression is at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top of the leg.

COMPRESSION STOCKINGS, FOR WHOM AND WHY?

Many people can benefit from compression stockings. They are often recommended for people who suffer from venous insufficiency. This is a disease characterized by a dysfunction of the venous system. The wall of the veins is affected, which makes it difficult for blood to return to the heart. Wearing compression stockings thus improves blood circulation and therefore relieves symptoms and prevents the consequences of venous insufficiency. For example:

• feeling of heavy legs;
• sore calves;
• swollen legs;
• night cramps;
• ulcers on the skin;
• varicose veins on the legs;
• formation of clots.

Pregnant women may also suffer from poor circulation and will benefit from wearing compression stockings. The same goes for people who work long hours on their feet and people who fly. For some people, wearing compression stockings is not recommended. It is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing them.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

Compression stockings come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There are knee-highs, thigh-highs, and pantyhose. They come in a variety of colors and materials. You can buy pre-made stockings, available on the shelves of your local pharmacy, or custom-made stockings. Regardless of the type of stocking, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing the size or taking measurements.

The level of pressure exerted by stockings can vary and the choice of the degree of compression will depend on the reason for which they are being used. The pressure level is expressed in mm Hg. For example, stockings of 15-20 mm Hg will exert less pressure than stockings of 30-40 mm Hg. Not all compression levels are available in pharmacies. Stockings with a lower level of compression can be found directly on the shelves of pharmacies, while those with a higher level of compression will require a prescription from your doctor (the latter can, in some cases, be ordered from the pharmacy upon receipt of your prescription). It is important to choose the right level of compression. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for help, they will be able to guide you.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT

For maximum effectiveness, compression stockings should be put on in the morning before you even get out of bed. They are not ordinary stockings and they are not put on in the same way. Here are some tips to make putting on compression stockings easier:

• Wear latex gloves to avoid damaging them.
• Insert your hand inside the stocking and grab the heel.
• Turn the bottom inside out up to the heel.
• Insert the foot and put the stocking on up to the heel without pulling.
• Then raise the stocking up to the ankle and up to the knee or thigh depending on the type of stocking.
• Pull on the tip to release the toes.

Several accessories are available to help you put them on better; Ask your pharmacist.

Just like putting on, caring for compression stockings differs from regular stockings. They do not go in the washer or dryer. They should be cleaned by hand in lukewarm or cold water and mild soap. They must be dried in the open air and certain handling can be damaging to the compression stockings. You should therefore avoid twisting them and using bleach. Compression stockings should be replaced every six months if you wear them every day.

More than just regular stockings, compression stockings can solve many problems. Available in several forms, they will please all styles. For better comfort and healthy legs, adopt compression stockings. You won’t be able to do without them!