Archive for March, 2009

Compression Stocking Tips

Whether you use Juzo, Sigvaris, Mediven, Jobst, or other kinds of compression stockings, there are a few handy tips that can make compression stockings easier to use.

Try these support stocking or compression stocking tips on for size:

• Skip the lotion or moisturizing creme. Compression stocking fibers or elastic may be damaged by the oils in moisturizing lotions or creams. Instead, apply lotion at night – before bed – when you take your compression stockings off for the day.
• Take off all jewelry before putting on your compression stockings. Rings and bracelets can snag on the compression hose, causing rips or tears.
• If putting on your compression stockings is difficult, try wearing a pair of latex or rubber gloves. The smooth surface will make it easier to grip the compression stockings as you move them up your legs.
• If you have trouble your compression stockings up, you can try a fitting lotion. A fitting lotion, also called a body adhesive, may help your compression stockings stay in place. An example of a fitting lotion is Jobst It Stays Roll On Body Adhesive.
• To keep your compression stockings snag-free, always wear shoes when wearing them. Walking around your home without shoes may cause your compression stockings to develop runs or tears, which may degrade their compression properties.

Compression Stocking Aids

To reap the circulatory and other health benefits of compression stockings, you’ve got to get the support stockings on your legs. But putting on compression stockings isn’t always an easy task for people with arthritis, limited hand strength, or other conditions that limit movement or functioning. That’s where compression stocking aids come in.

Compression stocking aids assist people in getting the stocking over their feet and ankles. Compression stocking aids also make it easier to pull the stocking over the leg and sometimes eliminate the need for a person to bend forward.

There are several different kinds of stocking aids.

Fabric Compression Stocking Aids

Fabric stocking aids are used with open-toe styled compression stockings. They make it easier for a person to get their foot into the stocking and pull the aid out of the stocking. A person would still need to bend to use this type of stocking aid.

An example of a fabric stocking aid is the Terrycloth Sock Aid.

Gutter Compression Stocking Aids

Gutter stocking aids use ropes or cords to help pull the stocking up the person’s leg, eliminating the need to bend over.  The gutter type of compression aid makes it easier for a person to get their toes in the stocking, too.

An example of a gutter stocking aid is the Everyday Essentials Deluxe Hard Plastic Sock Aid.

Frame Compression Stocking Aids

Frame stocking aids use a hard plastic or metal frame to stretch compression stockings so the user can put his or her foot in. A frame stocking aid may have handles so a person can pull the compression stocking up without bending over or bending down.

An example of a frame stocking aid is the Jobst Stocking Donner.

Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend a stocking aid for you, based on your physical limitations.

Videos: Compression Stockings

Compression stockings may be easier to figure out if you can watch a video about them. Here are videos that offer instruction on putting on two popular types of compression stockings: Juzo compression stockings and Mediven compression stockings.

Juzo Compression Stockings

Mediven Compression Stockings

How to Wash Compression Stockings

Are you wondering how to wash your compression stockings? Although compression stockings are constructed of strong elastic and rubber fibers and made to be durable, they can be damaged or stretched if they’re tossed into your washing machine or dryer. The stocking’s compression qualities may be lost with even one tough rinse cycle.

To find out how to wash your brand of compression stockings, first read the manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturers such as Sigvaris, Jobst, Mediven, and Juzo should include complete care instructions with your compression stockings. Some brands of compression stockings, such as Mediven, may be able to be washed on your washer’s delicate setting.

Generally, it’s best to take the time to wash your compression stockings by hand.

1. Start by filling a bucket, sink, or washtub with warm water.
2. Gently dip the compression stockings into the tub to dampen them.
3. Then, add a small amount of delicate washing liquid and swirl it around the water.
4. Let the compression stockings soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt, oils, and skin cells from the stocking’s fibers.
5. Gently rub the compression stockings together to clean them better, but be careful not to stretch them.
6. Empty the tub, refill with warm water, and dip or rinse the clean compression stockings stockings.
7. Gently squeeze the compression stockings to remove excess water.
8. Place a towel on a drying rack and lay the stockings on top to dry. Avoid hanging the stockings directly on a rack or pole to drip dry; the weight of the water could stretch the stockings, causing them to fit improperly.

How often should you wash your compression stockings? It depends on how long you wear them, but most manufacturers recommend daily compression stocking washing.

And here’s a tip: moisturizing lotion can break down the fibers in compression stockings, so be sure to apply it only when you remove the stockings at night.

Some compression stocking wearers recommend a washing solution just for compression stockings. An example is Jobst Jolastic Washing Solution.

How to Put On Compression Stockings

The tough elastic that’s used to make compression stockings can be difficult to wear and adjust, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that limit hand movement or function.

Your compression stockings should come with instructions from the manufacturer on how to put them on properly. Common compression stocking manufacturers include Jobst support hose, Mediven compression stockings, and Sigvaris compression stockings.

Compression stocking aids may also make putting on compression stockings easier.

Here are some general tips on how to wear compression stockings, such as Juzo, Jobst, Mediven, and Sigvaris, or other brands, correctly.

1. First, turn the upper part of the stocking inside out to the heel and gently slide the stocking down to the foot part.
2. Now carefully slip your foot into the foot part of the stocking.
3. Gently pull the remaining part of the compression stocking over your heel.
4. Use the palms of your hands to massage the stocking up toward your knee. Try not to pull at the upper edge of the compression stocking.
5. Now use the same steps for the other leg.

For compression thigh high stockings and hosiery, use the steps above until the compression stocking is by your knee. Using the palms of your hands, ease the stocking upward (don’t pull on the upper edge of the stocking) until it reaches your upper thigh.

For compression pantyhose, use the same steps to gently ease the pantyhose up to your waist.

Make sure to keep the vertical seams of the compression stocking straight – you can use the seams as a guide.

Where to Buy Compression Stockings

Your doctor or physical therapist has told you you need compression stockings. Now where do you go to buy compression stockings?

Support Hose

You can buy support pantyhose online at Amazon or at most grocery stores, drug stores, and super stores. This type of compression stockings works best for people with mild cases of varicose veins, which are swollen and twisted veins that occur under the surface of the skin. Some brands of support hosiery include Sigvaris Compression Stockings, Mediven Compression Stockings, Jobst Support Hose, and Juzo Compression Stockings.

An example of support hose available is Jobst Women’s Ultrasheer Light Pantyhose.

An example of  support hose for men and women is Jobst Relief Men’s/Women’s Firm Support Knee Highs.

Compression Stockings

You can buy compression stockings (sometimes called compression hose) online and over the counter at medical supply stores and pharmacies, like Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. These types of compression stockings offer more support than support pantyhose, so they’re also useful for people with varicose veins and other vein problems.

An example of compression stockings is the Jobst Relief Thigh High Compression Stockings.

Prescription Strength Compression Stockings

You can buy compression stockings (or graduated compression stockings) that are prescription strength at medical supply stores or pharmacies, like Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. The pharmacist or salesperson will need to fit you for these stockings. A person would buy compression stockings like this if he or she had a more serious clotting condition, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. To prevent clots, these types of stockings are very tight at the foot of the stocking and loosen as they go farther up the knee to help reduce blood clots and blood pooling. For people who have deep vein thrombosis, doctors recommend they buy and wear compression stockings for a year after being diagnosed.

How Compression Stockings Work

Although today’s world is filled with high-tech surgeries and medications, it turns out that simple elastic compression stockings work effectively as varicose vein treatment and treatment for other circulatory problems. One study in the medical journal Phlebology found that 71% of patients who had been prescribed medical compression stockings said their symptoms improved when worn daily or almost daily.

Compression stockings, like those made by Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven, work by applying pressure to the veins and lymphatic system of the leg.

Because a compression stocking is made of elastic fibers and rubber, it tightly presses against the leg. This added pressure supports the veins, keeps blood circulating more easily, and reduces the risk that clots or swelling will occur in the lower part of a person’s body.

Compression stockings are manufactured in several levels of compression, measured by mmHg (millimeter of mercury).

• Over-the-counter (support) hose come in 10-15 mmHg or 15-20 mmHg varieties.
• Medium compression stockings require a prescription and come in 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, and 50+ mmHg varieties.
• High compression stockings come in 18-21, 23-32, 34-46, and up to 50 mmHg varieties. High compression stockings are usually custom made.

Your doctor or phlebologist (a doctor who specializes in treating vein disorders and varicose vein treatment) may refer to compression stockings as support hosiery, medical compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings, or lymphedema compression stockings.

All of these stockings work on the same basic principle – tightly supporting the veins in the leg to promote better blood flow.

Compression stockings work best when a person has been prescribed the right amount of compression and gets a good fitting compression stocking.

The best way to ensure a good fit is to visit a compression stocking retailer. Compression stocking retailers such as Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven can tell you where to get fitted for their products through a simple website search.