Saturday, January 10, 2009

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are not normal stockings. This particular variant of stockings is used for supporting venous as well as lymphatic systems of leg. Compression stockings offer graduated compression where you can receive maximum compression; which is at ankle and the compression decreases as we move up on leg. This compression which is generated is very useful as when it is combined with the calf muscle’s muscle pump effect, it aides in circulation of lymph fluid and blood throughout the legs. Compression stockings are available in wide range of colors, opacities, sizes and styles which makes them almost similar to regular stockings.

Compression stockings are meant for those people who have varicose veins. By varicose veins one can understand it as condition where blood pools in veins near skin’s surface which result in swelling of legs. The blood in this doesn’t follow the normal route and it doesn’t goes back to heart as it can’t move back into deeper veins of your leg.

Compression stockings help in controlling swollen legs. It works as it compresses the swollen tissues which prevent the fluid to build up. On other hand, compression stockings help in moving the fluid to the area which is draining well. Compression stockings help muscles to pump the fluid away in a more effective manner. Compression stockings are designed that way that these help in application of more pressure which encourages fluid to drain.

Compression stockings come in number of variants. Light compression stockings will help in keeping your legs feel healthy as well as energetic throughout the day. Medium and higher compression stockings are to prevent and for treatment of cellulite, varicose veins and venous diseases. Compression stockings can also be put up for long flights as it helps in prevention of deep vein thrombosis and blood clots.

Compression stockings can also be differentiated on the basis of different levels of compression and are generally categorized into three different categories: First one being those which apply pressure of 8-15 mmHg, the second class being applying pressure of 15-20 mmHg and the last class being that which exerts pressure up to 20-30 mmHg.

Light compression stockings are that which exerts pressures of 8-15 mmHg are effective in providing extra mild compression and is helpful in keeping legs healthy and prevent minor fatigue, cramps, fatigue. Medium or second level compression stockings provides pressures up to 15-20 mmHg and these are beneficial for combating mild varicose veins, minor leg or ankle swelling. Medium level compression stockings also help in prevention of vein disease during stage of pregnancy. Third level of compression stockings or high compression stockings exerts pressures up to 20-30 mmHg and these are helpful in prevention of moderate to severe varicose veins, significant swellings and deep vein thrombosis.

Compression stockings are generally made from number of different types of fibres ranging from cotton, elastane, nylon to yarn. Off-the-shelf compression stockings include flat-bed compression stockings as well as circular knit compression stockings. Net compression stockings are generally available as made-to-measure items.

No comments: