WHAT ARE COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

What are compression stockings?

 Compression stockings are a specialized type of stockings. They are also called graduated compression stockings and are designed from a special type of knitwear that applies certain pressure on different parts of the leg. It is highest in the ankle area and gradually decreases towards the calf and thigh. This compression improves blood circulation, facilitates venous return and promotes lymphatic drainage. 

Antiembolic stockings are a type of compression stockings. They also have graduated compression, support blood circulation in the lower limbs and are part of the prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism. They are recommended by specialists before, during and after surgical treatment or during prolonged immobilization. 

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How do compression stockings work?

As mentioned above, compression stockings exert the greatest degree of compression in the ankle area, which gradually decreases towards the upper part of the leg. This compression is called graduated and ensures that blood flows up to the heart and does not back down to the legs or into the superficial veins. Applying adequate graduated compression reduces the diameter of the large veins, which increases the velocity and volume of blood flow. Graded compression can reverse venous hypertension, facilitate venous return, and improve lymphatic drainage.

What are the benefits of wearing compression stockings?

• Improvement of blood circulation in the legs
• Improvement of lymphatic drainage
• Relieves symptoms associated with varicose veins such as pain, swelling, fatigue in the lower limbs
• Helps prevent deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• Reduction of muscle fatigue, acceleration of recovery after training, prevention of injuries

Who should use compression stockings? 

• People with genetic predisposition to the development of varicose veins and as prevention for those who work in a standing or sitting position for a long time
• People suffering from chronic venous diseases - the manifestations can be different and can include telangiectasias, varicose reticular veins, varicose veins, lipodermatosclerosis, pain and swelling of the lower extremities and venous ulcers.
• For prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• After sclerotherapy and surgical treatment of varicose veins
• When traveling long distances
• Postthrombotic syndrome
• Lymphedema and chronic leg swelling
• Superficial thrombophlebitis (chronic phase)
• Pregnancy
• Athletes and people leading a dynamic lifestyle, including active sports, etc.

How to choose the right compression stockings?

 There numerous options, including different degrees of compression, length (knee length, thigh length or pantyhose), toe or no toe, sheer or thick and even different colors. While style and color are a matter of personal preference, the degree of compression and length of the socks are determined by your specific needs and symptoms. 

Most often, compression stockings fall into the following categories:

              • 8-15 mmHg (class 1; without prescription)

 Low compression stockings are recommended for the prevention and control of varicose veins, prophylactic use for people with hereditary factors and who work in a standing or sitting position for a long time. Ideal for rest or relaxation and for many daily activities that require quick recovery after a long day's work. 

              • 15-20 mm Hg (Class 2; without prescription) 

Medium compression stockings of 15-20 mmHg are recommended for the control and treatment of varicose veins, as well as for initial to moderate chronic venous insufficiency. Intended for people with a constant feeling of heaviness, pain or fatigue in the legs, swelling, after sclerotherapy or surgical procedures for varicose veins. They are recommended during pregnancy! 

              • 20-30 mm Hg (class 3; by prescription)

High compression stockings 20-30 mmHg are recommended by medical professionals for patients with moderate to severe chronic venous insufficiency. Indicated for the treatment of advanced and complicated varicose veins, secondary varicose veins, insufficient perforating veins, after deep venous thrombosis, postoperatively or for the prevention of thromboembolic events. Particularly effective for reducing edema in venous and/or lymphatic stasis, in post-traumatic and postoperative edema. They can be used with suitable bandages in the treatment of chronic varicose ulcers, as well as for the prevention of their recurrence. They are recommended in the pre- and post-natal period for overweight women.

           • 30-40 (class 3-high compression; by prescription) and 40-50 mm Hg (class 4-high compression; by prescription). 

Decisive for the exact choice of compression stockings, apart from the degree of compression, is also the size. To determine your size, you should take measurements in cm of: 

- the circumference of the ankle (above the knuckle), indicated as Cb,

 - the circumference of the widest part of the calf, indicated as Cc

 - the circumference of the thigh (if you will choose long socks or pantyhose), indicated as Cg. 

The measures are best taken in the morning, before swelling and fatigue appear in the legs. 

IMPORTANT: If your results measure between two sizes, always opt for the larger one!