Compression stockings are used by many people for different reasons. For example, pilots, runners, nurses, and pregnant women use them to help support their legs, knees, and feet while standing and walking all day. They are also used by patients who are recovering from surgery or those who are most at risk of developing blood clots in their legs. What are dress compression stockings and what should you know about them?
How Do Compression Stockings Work?
While just about anyone can wear compression stockings, those who will benefit from them the most are those who suffer from specific leg problems such as circulation issues or are at risk of blood clots. There are several illnesses that can contribute to this issue such as inflammatory bowel disease or those who use birth control as a couple of examples.
Compression stockings help your circulation increase back to where it should be by compressing the veins and forcing the blood through the circulatory system. When there are blockages of this blood flow, it is harder for the heart to pump blood to the extremities due to the walls of the veins having been weakened. The stockings help to fortify these veins and allow the blood to return to its normal pressure and lessen any feelings of numbness you might feel.
Compression stockings also help the leg tissues by squeezing the fluid that your cells reside in (known as lymph). This can help reduce any swelling that may occur in the legs. When you help to improve the flow of lymph through the legs, your legs will feel more comfortable and sometimes they can feel less tired after a long day on your feet.
Where to Find Them?
Compression stockings aren't too hard to find. You can order them online through many popular websites, also, many pharmacies and drug stores carry them. You can also ask at your local medical supplies store to see if they have them or can bring them in.
It isn't too hard to determine what size you should wear either. There really isn't any standard sizing in compression stockings except for the usual small, medium, and large. You can help determine which size you should get by measuring your feet ahead of time with a tape measure. You should measure the length of your foot, the circumference of your ankle, thigh and calf, and the distance from your knee to your foot. This will determine what type of stocking you want too as they come in knee-high, tights, or thigh-high.
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