You might have heard of compression stockings. These are snug-fitting socks specially made to help gently squeeze the wearer’s legs. Check out our general guide on these useful items.
What Compression Stockings Specifically Do
People wear these stockings to help improve blood circulation, especially in the legs. Due to an improvement in blood circulation, the pain you are feeling or the swelling you are experiencing on your legs can be minimized. At the same time, your chances of developing circulation problems such as deep vein thrombosis can be lowered. Generally, compression stockings are worn to:
- provide comfort to the wearer
- help the wearer do better in various activities such as sports
- help prevent blood clots and any related medical conditions
People Who Wear Compression Stockings
There are a lot of individuals who wear such stockings for different reasons. These include:
- Athletes
- Pregnant women
- People with jobs that require them to stand all day
- Pilots and other people who spend a long time inside airplanes
- Those who have circulation problems or at risk of getting them
- Bedridden patients
- Patients who have gone through surgery
Kinds of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings come in three main kinds. These are prescription compression stockings, compression socks and stockings, and support pantyhose. Prescription compression stockings provide the most pressure while support pantyhose offers the least compression.
The Risks of Wearing Compression Stockings
Wearing a pair of these stockings improperly or for too long can lead to problems. Either can increase the risks of skin irritation, discomfort, broken skin and temporary dents on your skin.
Guidelines for Purchasing
Getting a pair can be done over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor. In the case of the latter, your doctor will determine the right size, length and tightness of the pair you should be wearing. Additional guidelines are as follows:
- Contact your insurance provider to know if they cover this particular purchase.
- Get your doctor’s prescription for a pair.
- Visit your pharmacy for a fitting.
Guidelines for Wearing
Make sure that you remove these tubes every day, preferably before your bedtime. Wash them after use and let them air dry. Make it a habit to inspect your legs for any sign of irritation or damage so they can be treated immediately.
If you need compression stockings and other durable medical equipment, visit Health Delivery Pharmacy. We offer a wide variety of services and medical supplies for your needs. Visit or call us today!