Compression stockings are a specialized hosiery, designed to help prevent the occurrence of, and guard against further progression of venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis. Compression stockings are elastic garments worn around the leg, compressing the limb. This reduces the diameter of distended veins and causes an increase in venous blood flow velocity and valve effectiveness. Compression therapy helps decrease venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and impairments of venous walls, and relieves heavy and aching legs.
You wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your legs. This helps prevent leg swelling and, to a lesser extent, blood clots.
If you have varicose veins, spider veins, or have just had surgery, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings.
Wearing stockings helps with:
- Aching and heavy feeling in legs
- Swelling in legs
- Preventing blood clots, especially after surgery or injury when you are less active
We carry a wide variety of compression stockings. Call us today to schedule a fitting.
Types of Compression Stockings
Talk to your doctor about what kind of compression stockings are right for you. There are many different compression stockings. They come in different:
- Pressures, from light pressure to strong pressure
- Lengths, from knee-high to the top of the thigh
- Colors
Buying Compression Stockings
Sometimes they are covered by your extended health benefits. Call your health insurance or prescription plan.
- Find out if they pay for compression stockings.
- Get a prescription from your doctor.
- We will fit and measure the stockings for you.
Wearing Compression Stockings
Wear your compression stockings all day. Your compression stockings should feel strong around your legs. You will feel the most pressure around your ankles and less pressure higher up on your legs.
Putting on Your Compression Stockings
- Put on stockings first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. Your legs have the least amount of swelling early in the morning.
- Hold the top of the stocking and roll it down to the heel.
- Put your foot into the stocking as far as you can. Put your heel in the heel of the stocking.
- Pull the stocking up. Unroll the stocking over your leg.
- After the top of the stocking is in place, smooth out any wrinkles.
- Do not let the stockings bunch up or wrinkle.
- Knee length stockings should come to 2 fingers below the knee bend.
Compression Stockings Can Be Hard to Put on
- If you use lotion on your legs, let it dry before you put on the stockings.
- Use a little baby powder or corn starch on your legs. This may help the stockings slide up.
- Put on rubber dishwashing gloves. Use your hands to adjust the stocking and smooth it out.
- For open-toe stockings, use a special gadget to slide the stocking over your foot.