Contents:
- Medical Video: Treating Varicose Veins
- Actually, what is compression stocking?
- When do you need to use compression stockings?
- How do you choose the best product?
Medical Video: Treating Varicose Veins
If you suffer from a condition related to a vein, while the recovery period is long after surgery, or just traveling on a long distance flight, compression stockings can help you deal with various complaints. Learn why the use of compression stockings is important, how to choose the most suitable, and how to use the following right.
Actually, what is compression stocking?
Compression stocking is a type of elastic socks designed specifically to press your feet. The goal is to create smooth blood circulation. Compression stocking is tighter on the legs, then gradually loosens up to the calves.
Pressure on the feet and ankles helps blood vessels to pump blood so that more blood can return to the heart and only a little blood stasis in the legs and calves.
Therefore, compression stockings will not only reduce swelling and pain in your feet, but can also help prevent serious conditions such as blood clots.
When do you need to use compression stockings?
Compression socks are usually recommended by doctors if blood circulation in the legs is disrupted. Generally caused by blood vessel related problems. If your feet feel heavy at night or you experience swelling or pain, it is very important to see a doctor to find the main cause of this problem.
Next, the doctor will determine whether you need to use compression stockings or not. The use of compression stockings is usually needed in the following conditions:
- Chronic venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when the valve in your vein is damaged so it cannot pump blood to the heart properly.
- Deep vein thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
- Varicose veins, which are enlarged veins due to valvular disorders or weakness of the blood vessel walls. Due to the enlarged diameter, normal pressure is not enough to pump blood to return to the heart.
- Spider veins. Although not as heavy as varicose veins, unfortunately this condition can develop into varicose veins. Compression therapy can stop this process or at least slow it down.
- Pregnancy. Foot veins are always affected during pregnancy. Often times pregnant women experience swelling of the legs because the enlarged uterus presses against the blood vessels and the hormones that dilate blood vessels.
- "Economy class syndrome". This syndrome is named as this is related to the limited movement of your feet on long-haul flights or long trips by train or car. When blood flow stasis, it is easier to have blood clots that can have serious consequences if the clot goes to the lungs or heart.
How do you choose the best product?
Yes, there are various types of compression stockings for each need. Both in terms of pressure (light to very strong), size and length (knee height to the top of the thigh), ingredients, colors, and more.
For example, to treat varicose veins with very mild symptoms, you may only need the usual type of knee height or knee-length socks (which end just above the calf, below the knee).
However, if your symptoms are severe, you might be advised to use a special compression stocking from a medical shop (must be with a doctor's prescription) where special measurements are made for you first.
Therefore, it is very important to discuss it with your doctor first. Keep in mind that choosing the wrong type has the potential to cause more damage than good.
