Some clubbies have heard about and used compression stockings, or socks. And given how well they work to aid in controlling edema, more clubbies should consider trying them. So it helps to have a better base of knowledge about these essential tools for lower leg relief. And as there are several types, and many manufacturers, it is important to know what you need, and what you can afford.
Chronic edema may be connected with many conditions. Edema can act to slow venous return - the process whereby your veins act to pump used blood (de-oxygenated) back to the heart for recirculation. Compression stockings can act to reduce edema by acting as an external pump to help cycle the edema out of the lower legs and permit more effective blood flow. Compression stockings come in two primary configurations - gradient, and uniform. Gradient stockings start quite tight at the foot, and become gradually less tight as they go up the leg. Gradient work best with:
It is usually recommended that you consult with your doctor before wearing compression stockings 20 mmHg and above. If you have arterial circulation problems, please consult with your physician before wearing any level of compression.
Contraindications (medical conditions in which compression is not recommended):
First, you should have your doctor recommend the best type (note: not brand, but type.) You should also be aware of whether you have a latex allergy, as some brands come in latex. But there are many brands available without latex, so don't worry too much about that issue.
Another factor is texture and feel. Some are very hosiery-like - smooth and thin, whereas others are more sock-like, with a good cotton feel, closer to regular socks. So it makes it easier to get the feel you are most familiar and comfortable with.
They also are available in at least a few colors, most often beige, black, and brown, but there are a few makers with a slightly broader selection. They are also available in both knee-high (the most often used) and thigh-high and panty-hose styles. These last two are for specific medical issues, so most clubbies will be looking at the knee-high variety.
Cost is a big factor. The original brand of compression stockings was Jobst, and these are still among the most expensive. But there are other makers, at lower price ranges, so shop around. You can find pretty much every kind on Amazon.com, and that is about the best place to do your comparison shopping, so I suggest starting there (this blog makes no money through Amazon.)
There is one big caveat in the care of your compression stockings - never put them in the dryer. Machine washing is fine, but always, always hang dry your socks/stockings, or the elasticity will begin to fail rather quickly. Your stockings should be as hard to put on the tenth time as they were the first time.
Yes, they ARE hard to put on. And you should always put them on first thing in the morning, while your feet are at their least-swollen. This will make them easier to put on, and will allow them to better control your edema right from the start. Just roll them up and stretch them over your toes and work them incrementally up your feet and calves. If they are a little long at the knee, just fold them back one fold only, so you don't pinch off too much behind your knees. Be sure to get all the wrinkles out before putting your shoes on. All compression stockings have a looser weave at the toes and the heel, to prevent cramping, so be sure you have those areas adjusted well before putting on your shoes.
If the stocking is latex free, it is perfectly safe to use lotions or creams. In fact, it is especially important for people with lymphedema or venous insufficiency since daily skin care and moisturizer is so important. Applying lotion at night will make donning the stockings easier. If the stocking contains latex (some of the Jobst SupportWear brands, for example), do not use lotions or creams. Heat, ultraviolet light, copper containing products, hydrocarbons and all petrolatum containing creams and ointments affect garments that contain natural rubber latex yarns.
There are many sources for compression stockings, Amazon being only one. I suggest Googling the term "compression stockings" and looking for both on-line resources, and local sources, as well. The best way to start is to buy one pair locally, so you can get a sense of the feel of the material. You will pay more this way, but you can buy all your other pairs on-line and save a bundle.
Be sure to break them in, or rather, break in your legs to them. Wear them every other day at first, until you get the feel for them. But you should be able to wear them regularly within a few weeks. I suggest buying at least enough pairs to allow you to hang dry some without being caught with none to wear. I won at least ten pair, but you may feel OK with fewer.
And remember to talk to your doctor about these first. You don't need a prescription, though I have heard of some stores demanding them. But I have never encountered this issue on-line. If you do, please let me know on what site, and I will warn everyone about them here.
What is the Purpose of Compression Stockings?
Chronic edema may be connected with many conditions. Edema can act to slow venous return - the process whereby your veins act to pump used blood (de-oxygenated) back to the heart for recirculation. Compression stockings can act to reduce edema by acting as an external pump to help cycle the edema out of the lower legs and permit more effective blood flow. Compression stockings come in two primary configurations - gradient, and uniform. Gradient stockings start quite tight at the foot, and become gradually less tight as they go up the leg. Gradient work best with:
- Tired, aching, heavy feeling legs
- Leg swelling
- Varicose veins
- Venous insufficiency
- Post-thrombotic syndrome
- Healed venous ulcers
- Active venous ulcers
- Lymphedema
It is usually recommended that you consult with your doctor before wearing compression stockings 20 mmHg and above. If you have arterial circulation problems, please consult with your physician before wearing any level of compression.
When Should Compression Stockings NOT be Worn?
Contraindications (medical conditions in which compression is not recommended):
- Ischemia (advanced arterial disease) of the legs
- Uncontrolled congestive heart failure
- Untreated septic phlebitis of the leg
- Skin infections
- Weeping dermatoses
- Allergic to garment fabric
- Impaired sensitivity of the limb
- Immobility (confinement to bed)
What Kinds Are Best For Me?
First, you should have your doctor recommend the best type (note: not brand, but type.) You should also be aware of whether you have a latex allergy, as some brands come in latex. But there are many brands available without latex, so don't worry too much about that issue.
Another factor is texture and feel. Some are very hosiery-like - smooth and thin, whereas others are more sock-like, with a good cotton feel, closer to regular socks. So it makes it easier to get the feel you are most familiar and comfortable with.
They also are available in at least a few colors, most often beige, black, and brown, but there are a few makers with a slightly broader selection. They are also available in both knee-high (the most often used) and thigh-high and panty-hose styles. These last two are for specific medical issues, so most clubbies will be looking at the knee-high variety.
Cost is a big factor. The original brand of compression stockings was Jobst, and these are still among the most expensive. But there are other makers, at lower price ranges, so shop around. You can find pretty much every kind on Amazon.com, and that is about the best place to do your comparison shopping, so I suggest starting there (this blog makes no money through Amazon.)
Care
There is one big caveat in the care of your compression stockings - never put them in the dryer. Machine washing is fine, but always, always hang dry your socks/stockings, or the elasticity will begin to fail rather quickly. Your stockings should be as hard to put on the tenth time as they were the first time.
Yes, they ARE hard to put on. And you should always put them on first thing in the morning, while your feet are at their least-swollen. This will make them easier to put on, and will allow them to better control your edema right from the start. Just roll them up and stretch them over your toes and work them incrementally up your feet and calves. If they are a little long at the knee, just fold them back one fold only, so you don't pinch off too much behind your knees. Be sure to get all the wrinkles out before putting your shoes on. All compression stockings have a looser weave at the toes and the heel, to prevent cramping, so be sure you have those areas adjusted well before putting on your shoes.
Use of lotions and creams with compression stockings?
If the stocking is latex free, it is perfectly safe to use lotions or creams. In fact, it is especially important for people with lymphedema or venous insufficiency since daily skin care and moisturizer is so important. Applying lotion at night will make donning the stockings easier. If the stocking contains latex (some of the Jobst SupportWear brands, for example), do not use lotions or creams. Heat, ultraviolet light, copper containing products, hydrocarbons and all petrolatum containing creams and ointments affect garments that contain natural rubber latex yarns.
Sources
There are many sources for compression stockings, Amazon being only one. I suggest Googling the term "compression stockings" and looking for both on-line resources, and local sources, as well. The best way to start is to buy one pair locally, so you can get a sense of the feel of the material. You will pay more this way, but you can buy all your other pairs on-line and save a bundle.
Be sure to break them in, or rather, break in your legs to them. Wear them every other day at first, until you get the feel for them. But you should be able to wear them regularly within a few weeks. I suggest buying at least enough pairs to allow you to hang dry some without being caught with none to wear. I won at least ten pair, but you may feel OK with fewer.
And remember to talk to your doctor about these first. You don't need a prescription, though I have heard of some stores demanding them. But I have never encountered this issue on-line. If you do, please let me know on what site, and I will warn everyone about them here.
