Compression Stockings
/Do you have rings around your ankles!!??
Do you ever have a ring around your ankle when you take your socks off? That means that you might be experiencing some swelling in your feet and legs. This is common to some degree in most people.
A lot of people think you only need compression stockings if you have a condition. Things like varicose veins or a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot). Compression stockings are very good at treating certain conditions, and they are good as a preventative or giving your body some support.
A graduated compression stocking means that the highest amount of compression is in the foot, and as the stocking goes up the leg, the compression decreases slightly. This allows the fluid in the foot to travel up the leg and go back in to the body.
There are many different conditions that compression stockings can improve. They can also be used as a preventative. When your muscles contract, they push the fluid up the leg. Sometimes when someone is in a more sedentary job or constantly on their feet, these muscle contractions are not strong enough and swelling occurs. There are valves in the leg that when the fluid passes them moving up, the fluid cannot go back down in to the foot. However, if these valves are not working optimally, some fluid may be let down in to the leg resulting in swelling. These are not considered conditions but do result in some swelling and pain that could be prevented.
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You can buy these at stores like how you would buy other clothes. You choose a size and are all set. When you get a compression stocking from a health care provider, it is likely that they will take measurements and get you a more precise fitting stocking. When you get the compression stockings from a health care provider, your extended health benefits can be used.
Most common reasons to get compression stockings:
Heavy legs feeling or swelling and leg pain
Standing or sitting for long periods of time
Increased recovery during sporting events
Spider veins and varicose veins
Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
Lymphedema (swelling due to a problem with your lymphatic system)
Pregnancy
Travelling
Dermatitis or eczema (skin conditions)
If you have questions if compression stockings would help you, don’t hesitate to contact me!