In the field of managing various circulatory issues, compression stockings have emerged as a fundamental tool for promoting better blood flow and preventing complications. Designed to exert gentle pressure on the legs, these specialized garments serve a critical role in addressing conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and edema. Understanding how compression stockings work is essential in comprehending their therapeutic benefits and the ways in which they aid in enhancing venous return and overall circulatory health. This article explores the functionality of compression stockings, shedding light on their role in mitigating symptoms, preventing complications, and improving the quality of life for individuals grappling with circulatory challenges.
Virtually all varicose vein treatment doctors recommend that their patients wear compression stockings after any type of treatment in their clinic, including sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and ambulatory phlebectomy. Compression stockings are also used as a “conservative therapy” to control symptoms of varicose veins before clinical measures are performed. Even when patients have clinical varicose vein treatment, they are often instructed to wear compression stockings or sock aid every day as an ongoing preventative measure to lessen the likelihood of additional varicose veins forming.
So, compression stockings are an integral part of varicose vein treatment at all chronological stages of treatment, whether it is home treatment or clinical treatment. However, from reading through the many questions posed online about compression stockings, it becomes obvious to anyone with advanced knowledge on this subject, that most people don’t really understand how compression stockings work their magic! So, let’s explore exactly how compression stockings work.
Having a good understanding of how compression stockings work will help you get a better fit. It will also help you select the type and brand of compression stockings that will work best for you. You’ll also be cognizant of all the important factors when you put them on once you start wearing them. Having a better understanding of how compression stockings work will also help explain why it is so important to put your compression stockings on first thing in the morning before your legs have a chance to swell.
First, it is important to understand that compression stockings don’t just apply equal pressure to all portions of your leg. In fact, if this were the case, they would actually impede the flow of blood in your veins rather that aid the flow back to the heat!
Compression stockings apply Graduated pressure to your legs! Note that we have emphasized the word “graduated!” This is because having Graduated pressure is the key to how compression stockings work and perform their magic. This is true both before and after clinical varicose vein treatment and as an ongoing home varicose vein treatment the patient can continue on his or her own.
Graduated pressure means the degree of pressure changes as the pressure moves up the leg. The pressure exerted by compression stockings is the highest right around the ankle. This is why they should feel much tighter in this region. Then, as the compression stocking moves up the leg, the pressure becomes increasingly less all the way to the knee or thigh, whichever version of compression stocking you are wearing.
This differential in the pressure, with the highest pressure near your foot, and the lowest pressure near the top of the compression stockings, creates an overall movement of blood up the leg, against gravity, and toward the heart, as it would in a leg with totally healthy veins.
The tighter pressure around the ankles of the leg also forces the blood where it tends to pool the deeper into the calf muscles. This has the effect that the harder working part of the muscle, i.e. the stronger portion of the muscle, can literally physically pump the blood up the leg toward the heart. You can accentuate this even more if you do daily calf muscle exercises to make your calf muscle even stronger.
Our Recommendations
There are several reputable brands that offer high-quality compression stockings for varicose vein treatment. Here are some of the well-regarded brands that you can consider:
- Sigvaris: This Swiss brand is known for its innovative compression solutions and offers a wide range of compression stockings suitable for various needs, including those related to varicose veins.
- Jobst: Jobst is a prominent brand that produces medical compression garments, including stockings, sleeves, and socks. They are known for their durable and comfortable products designed to address various circulation issues.
- Medi: Medi is another trusted brand that specializes in medical compression stockings for conditions such as varicose veins. They offer a variety of styles and compression levels to cater to different patient needs.
- Therafirm: Therafirm is known for its high-quality, gradient compression products, including stockings and hosiery, designed to help manage various circulatory conditions, including varicose veins.
- Juzo: Juzo is a well-established brand that produces compression garments for a range of medical conditions. They offer a selection of compression stockings that provide support and relief for those with varicose veins.
When choosing a brand, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or a specialist to determine the most suitable compression level and style for your specific condition. Additionally, consider factors such as comfort, durability, and the specific features offered by each brand before making a purchase.
In summary, understanding how compression stockings work unveils their vital role in promoting efficient blood flow and mitigating the symptoms of various circulatory ailments. By applying gentle pressure to the legs, these specialized garments facilitate improved venous return, thereby reducing the likelihood of blood pooling and clot formation. Whether addressing deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or edema, compression stockings have demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing overall circulatory health and alleviating associated discomfort. With their ability to provide support and encourage proper circulation, compression stockings stand as a cornerstone in comprehensive treatment approaches, offering individuals a pathway to greater comfort, improved vascular well-being, and an enhanced quality of life.
