Archive for May, 2009

Compression Stockings after Stroke: New Research Says Compression Stockings Don’t Work

Stroke patients don’t benefit from wearing compression stockings, found a study in the most recent issue of the United Kingdom-based The Lancet journal.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland found that the risk of blood clots in stroke patients didn’t improve when they wore thigh high compression stockings. In addition, the researchers reported that 5 percent of patients developed ulcers, dead skin tissue, and blisters.

As a result of their findings, the study authors suggest reevaluating current recommendations that all stroke patients wear support hose after surgery.

Although this research indicates that compression stockings may not reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots and deep vein thrombosis, other research shows that compression garments are often improperly used, even by nursing staff and medical personnel.

Patients are often prescribed the wrong size stockings, they may be instructed to wear thigh high stockings when knee high varieties work just as well, and both medical personnel and patients may have trouble putting the stockings on the right way.

What’s the best brand to use? Compression stockings manufactured by Jobst, Juzo, Mediven, and Sigvaris, come with detailed instructions on how to use the legwear for best results.

Many studies have found that using compression stockings contributes to increased blood flow and reduces the risk of venous disorders. Although this Lancet study found that stroke patients don’t benefit, compression legwear may still help relieve aching, tired legs, reduce the risk of varicose veins and leg swelling, and cut the risk of blood clots during travel and after surgery – but only if they’re used properly.

Maternity Stockings: Pregnant Women Find Relief from Maternity Stockings

Pregnancy can be a time of incredible joy, hope, and excitement – and a time of physical discomfort. The increased blood volume and weight gain that pregnant women experience puts pressure on the veins in the lower body, making women susceptible to both spider veins and varicose veins. To prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, health care providers often recommend maternity stockings.

What are maternity stockings?

This supportive legwear squeezes the veins in the legs, making blood flow more easily and reducing the likelihood of developing varicose legs, which are bulging masses of swollen veins, which often occur in the legs. Varicose veins can occur in other areas of the body, too; when they occur in the rectal area, they’re known as hemorrhoids. Pregnant women who are overweight, carry twins, triplets, or other multiples, or who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins are more likely to develop them.

What brand should I choose?

Maternity compression stockings don’t have to be unfashionable. There are several popular retailers, including Juzo, Jobst, Mediven, and Sigvaris, that make patterned, colored compression stockings that are perfect for wearing with skirts or professional attire.

Where do I get them?

You can get maternity stockings at a drugstore or pharmacy, medical supply store, or from online retailers. Pregnancy compression stockings come in different levels of compression; the higher the compression level, the more tightly they squeeze the leg veins. Your doctor or midwife may suggest that drugstore legwear is good enough for you, or he or she may recommend higher compression levels available only with a prescription.

How do I use them?

Pregnancy compression stockings should be worn daily, but taken off at night. Slide your foot into the foot of the stockings, and then gently roll the stockings up the leg. Be careful not to tug the stocking into place; you could ruin the elastic compression fibers if you do this. Avoid putting lotion on your legs or wearing rings or other jewelry when you put on your maternity compression stockings. If you have trouble getting the stockings on, you can use a device called a compression stocking aid (or stocking donner) to help make it easier.

Compression Men: What They Can Do for You

For guys who need compression garments, choosing them can be intimidating. After all, unlike women, most guys may have no experience buying legwear. But buying compression men garments doesn’t have to be a challenge. Compression stocking retailers are well aware that men experience varicose veins, leg cramps, leg fatigue, and other ailments that can be aided by compression stockings. Or maybe you’re a runner or cyclist looking for the athletic edge offered by calf sleeves, sports compression, or running compression.

Common brands of compression gear for men include Sigvaris, Jobst, Juzo, and Mediven. A sales person at your local medical supply store, online legwear retailer, or running or cycling specialty store can suggest some pros and cons of each available brand.

Compression garments for men come in a variety of styles, including:

• Knee high support hose (available in common men’s sock colors, such as black, white, and tan) and ribbed socks
• Thigh high support hose (also available in common colors like black or tan)
• Compression shorts
• Compression socks
• Compression shirts and sleeves

Before you can buy compression men, you’ll need to measure yourself carefully. Generally, you’ll need to measure the circumference of each calf, thigh (around the top part of the leg, by the buttocks), and knee, as well as the overall length of your leg.

Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven compression for men come in the following mmHg compression levels (mmHg stands for millimeter of mercury):

• 8-15 mmHg

• 15-20 mmHg

• 20-30 mmHg

• 30-40 mmHg

• 40-50 mmHg

• 50-60 mmHg

Once you choose, you’ll have to learn how to care for your garments properly. Whatever brand you choose, the retailer should provide washing instructions. If you’re using medical stockings, your doctor can tell you how long to wear your stockings each day.

Using your support hose properly will help reduce the risk of varicose veins, ensure your legs are fatigue- and ache-free, and reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis and other ailments. People with diabetes often wear men support socks since their circulation is often impaired due to diabetes.

Lymphedema Compression Stockings and You

The health condition lymphedema involves swelling in the arms and legs. When the lymphatic system in your body becomes blocked, fluid may have difficulty draining and circulating. As a result, the fluid has nowhere to go and collects, causing uncomfortable swelling. Although the condition has no cure, sometimes the swelling may be relieved with lymphedema compression stockings.

Lymphedema often develops after a person has surgery, injury, or infection. All of these situations can make it difficult for the lymphatic system to drain lymph fluid. Cancer, radiation treatment, and other diseases may also cause this lymphatic disorder.

One of the most common symptoms of lymphedema include swelling in the arm or leg (the fingers and toes may also swell). If you have this health problem, your arm or leg may feel heavy and tight and it may be difficult to move. If you have lymphedema, you may develop infections in the affected body part, and the skin in that area may become thickened and hard.

If you see a doctor about lymphedema swelling in the arm and leg, he or she may have you undergo tests such as MRI, radionuclide imaging, CT, and Doppler ultrasound.

To treat lymphedema, your doctor may recommend a variety of therapies, including exercise and massage. You may need to wrap your swollen body part with bandages to improve lymphatic drainage. Doctors also often recommend lymphedema compression stockings. These tight elastic stockings squeeze your arm or leg and make it easier for fluid to drain out of your body. Some common brands of compression stockings include Sigvaris, Mediven, Jobst, and Juzo. Compression stockings also help prevent swelling if you are prone to this health condition.

Lymphedema compression can make it less likely that your puffy arm or leg will become severely swollen.