How To Choose And Use Compression Socks
- Written by News Company
Compression socks have a preventive and therapeutic effect to improve circulation, but it is important to buy the right ones. It has a lot of variety available and you can choose between men compression socks or compression socks for women as well. The size has to be the right fit for you.
The chronic venous insufficiency is a pathology in which the incidence in the population is increasing in recent years. Compression stockings have a preventive and therapeutic effect that greatly helps the blood circulation in our legs improve.
Chronic venous insufficiency (IVC) is a health problem that is due to the ill-functioning of the circulatory system. It affects between 20% and 30% of the adult population, being five times more frequent in women than in men. It is also a pathology whose incidence among the population is increasing in recent years.
The walls of the leg veins contain tiny valves that propel blood to the heart. But, if the veins lose elasticity and deform, these valves do not close well and the blood, attracted by the force of gravity, accumulates in the veins, causing them to increase in size and varicose veins are formed.
This results in symptoms such as heaviness and swelling of the legs (edema); swelling in the legs that worsens when standing or in the heat; pain and itching; tiredness, tingling; weakness; night cramps; and varicose veins
Given the incidence of this pathology, there are many people who still do not use them and could obtain the benefits they provide on vascular health. From the association, they indicate the situations in which the use of therapy with compression stockings is recommended, such as the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins, after venous surgery and sclerotherapy, before edema and varicose alterations during pregnancy or for professional activity. Compression measures can also be used as a prevention measure for thrombosis and ulcers.
Minimizes swelling
In addition, people who, due to their professional activity, spend a lot of time standing or sitting, have a family history of IVC or have a predisposition, who retain fluids, routinely travel by plane or have a sedentary lifestyle, overweight or obesity can benefit from them or heaviness of legs.
Compression stockings have a double preventive and therapeutic effect of venous problems. Its mechanism of action consists of the application of external pressure on certain points of the legs and in a decreasing way to the thigh so that it favors that the blood ascends to the heart. They also compress the veins, preventing them from continuing to dilate and storing blood inside.
Choose well before buying
It is important to choose the appropriate compression, size, and style, which will be different for each user. There are averages with different levels of compression depending on the stage of the disease, the activity of the patient or the segment of the affected limb:
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Light and normal compression: recommended to improve the circulation of tired legs; prevention of varicose veins when there is a certain predisposition to appear; for pregnant women or when small varicose spider veins are already present; when there are severe pain and tiredness in the legs; when varicose veins of moderate size already appear; and for when they must cover long days of standing or sitting or taking long trips.
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Strong compression: to treat more serious venous diseases and complications. In this case, it is important to consult with a doctor.
In both types of socks, treatment of at least six months is always recommended.
It is essential the recommendation of a healthcare professional, who is the person who can best indicate when to use one or another compression means, a medical device that is subject to exhaustive controls by the health authorities, which guarantees its effectiveness.
The compression stockings are made of elastic materials such as elastane, polyamides and other fibers, which allows them to generate pressure on the legs, both when they are in motion and at rest. They can also be manufactured with antibacterial threads in a way that prevents bacterial and fungal infections and prevents odors.
According to the pathology, the height of the leg in which the symptoms and preferences are located at the time of dressing, it is recommended to wear more or less long garments:
Medium short: reaches just below the knee. They are the easiest socks to wear and adapt.
Sock: like the short stocking, it reaches just below the knee, although it is a thicker garment that harbors more in the winter months. Although the users of the sock are mostly men, it is also very suitable for women in the cold season, since it harbors more and fits with the use of boots. There is also the sock made with silver threads, indicated to control sweating and bad smell of the feet.
Long medium: reaches up to half of the thigh. It is held with silicone bands and allows wearing dresses or skirts with comfort. In addition, it is very suitable for pregnant women or people with any incontinence problem. There is a special version for gentlemen.
Leggings: reaches to the waist. They are the classic option for people who prefer to wear dresses or skirts, especially if they are short. It provides a greater feeling of support in the abdominal area. In addition to the classic version, there are options for men or pregnant women.
Use compression socks correctly
Before starting to wear the socks, you have to be sure to buy the size that fits the needs and physical characteristics of each person. For this, it is necessary to go to the pharmacy, and there we will take the ankle and twin measures. A correct size ensures that the circulatory problem is treated and prevented properly.
1. Turn the garment over and leave the foot area inward.
2. Insert the foot and unroll the stocking on the leg. Once you have passed the heel area, continue unrolling it.
3. Spread the sock well on the leg to avoid wrinkles and folds.
4. In case of wearing a legging, it is better to put one leg to the knee first and then the other. Then continue raising the garment to the waist.
Tips For Wearing Compression Socks
- Avoid tears: although compression stockings are very resistant, if you think there is a risk of breakage, use rubber gloves, such as kitchen gloves, to place them.
- Improve the adhesion of the silicone: if you are using a long stocking with a silicone band, you can improve its adhesion by slightly moistening said band.
-Apply moisturizer after showering, it should be well absorbed before placing the stocking, especially if it is a long stocking with a silicone band. Otherwise, adhesion problems may arise.
-In the hot months, it is tempting to stop putting on stockings, even though it is when they are most needed. Therefore, it is recommended to make some adjustments that facilitate everyday use: if you are a user of pantyhose, go to medium-long or short; and if you are a user of normal compression, go lightly. The important thing is not to give up therapy and prevention.
-In people with difficulties to put on stockings (by age or during pregnancy) or if you are in charge of an older person who cannot wear them alone, a good option is to use a stocking slider.
Conclusion
The stockings must be placed after daily hygiene, before dressing. Ideally, do it lying or sitting on the bed. In addition, due to their special characteristics, they are placed in a specific way that facilitates the operation and avoids difficulties.
