Compression Stockings

At planet healthcare we deal with best brands like sigvaris for stockings, they come in different colors, fashion, style and material and you hvae a wide variety of option to choose from.

Benefits

Compression socks and stockings offer several health benefits. Your doctor may prescribe them to:

  • Enhance Circulation: Compression garments improve blood circulation in your legs.
  • Support Veins: They provide support to your veins, reducing stress and preventing blood from pooling.
  • Reduce Leg Swelling: Compression socks help diminish swelling in your ankles and legs, combating issues like edema.
  • Venous Ulcer Prevention: They can assist in preventing venous ulcers, which are open sores often caused by poor blood flow.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention: Wearing compression stockings can reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis in your legs.
  • Varicose Vein Pain Relief: For those suffering from varicose veins, compression socks can alleviate associated pain.
  • Reverse Venous Hypertension: They aid in reversing venous hypertension, a condition involving high blood pressure in the leg veins
  • Enhance Lymphatic Drainage: Compression garments also improve lymphatic drainage in your legs.

How they work

Compression socks and stockings operate by applying gentle, graduated pressure to your legs and ankles. This pressure can:

  • Reduce Vein Diameter: By increasing blood flow volume and velocity, they decrease the diameter of major veins.
  • Promote Blood Flow: The pressure helps blood flow upward, aiding in circulation toward the heart.
  • Prevent Blood Reflux: Compression prevents blood from flowing downward to the foot or sideways into superficial veins.

Types

There are three primary types of compression stockings:

  1. Graduated Compression Stockings: These stockings exert the highest pressure at the ankle and gradually decrease as they move upwards. They require professional fitting and come in various lengths.
    • Below-knee stockings limit peripheral edema.
    • Thigh or waist-length stockings reduce blood pooling in the legs and prevent orthostatic hypotension.
  2. Anti-Embolism Stockings: These stockings provide gradient compression like graduated stockings but differ in compression levels. They are designed for individuals who are not mobile, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
  3. Non-Medical Support Hosiery (15-20 mmHg): These compression stockings typically do not require a prescription. They include elastic support hose and flight socks, suitable for relieving tired or aching legs. They exert less pressure than prescription stockings and are available at pharmacies and online.

Side Effects

If your doctor prescribes compression stockings, monitor your legs daily for skin changes such as irritation or redness. These changes may signal issues like improper fit, incorrect application, infection, or allergies to the stocking material. Proper prescription, fitting, and usage are crucial.

The Takeaway

Compression stockings and socks are essential for promoting blood flow from your lower extremities to your heart. If your doctor prescribes them, ensure to:

  • Get properly fitted.
  • Follow instructions for putting on and removing them.
  • Adhere to your doctor's guidance on when and how long to wear them.
  • Monitor your skin for any changes in contact areas.

Stocking prices vary based on size, type, and compression levels, and you'll receive a price quote before placing an order.

Insurance coverage

Many insurance plans cover compression stockings, but details may vary. A physician's prescription is often required. Stockings with 15-20 mmHg or lower pressure typically don't need a physician's referral and are usually not covered.

For higher-pressure stockings at or above 20-30 mmHg, a physician's prescription is usually needed and is more likely to be covered. Insurance policies differ, so contact your insurance provider for specific coverage information and cost.

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