Doctors also recommend wearing these stockings for long airplane rides to prevent the formation of blood clots due to long periods of inactivity.
Compression Stockings
Most of us are unaware of the deterioration in our lower limb venous system until it is too late, but these problems can be prevented and treated by wearing compression socks.
Circumstances such as pregnancy and sedentary office work environments often make our blood pool near our feet due to gravity, causing our veins to stretch until they eventually lose the elasticity needed to push the blood back to our heart. As we age, these damages manifest as varicose veins, spider veins, and swollen feet or ankles.
Compression stockings are equipped with a gradual compression system that prevents blood from pooling and help return your blood back to the heart.
Common Causes of Venous Disorder
- Hereditary weakness of the connective tissue
- Hormonal effects such as the pill or pregnancy
- Overweight, Tight clothing
- Lack of physical exercise/activity
- Regular prolonged sitting and standing
- Nicotine and alcohol consumption
- Lifting and carrying excessively heavy load
- Hot baths and lengthy sunbathing sessions in summer
First Signs of Venous Disorder
- Tired, heavy or swollen legs
- Sensation of heat in your legs
- Tingling, cramp or feeling of tension
- Dragging pain in the calf
- Swollen ankles
- Rupture of small veins immediately below the skin of the calf or thigh
Compression Stocking and Sock Types
Light Compression (15 – 20 mmHg)
For preventing tired and heavy legs after standing for long periods, during pregnancy.
Moderate Compression (20 – 30 mmHg)
For pronounced varicose veins, swollen legs, after venous inflammation, after sclerosis or an operation, for existing varicose veins during pregnancy.
Strong Compression (30 – 50 mmHg)
After deep vein thrombosis, constantly swollen legs, after venous ulcers. Use 40 – 50 mmHg) for pronounced swelling, lymphoedema.