Compression Stockings in the News

Compression Stockings after Stroke: New Research Says They 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 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 wear 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? 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 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.

Thigh High Compression Stockings or Knee Length: Which Works Best?

Graduated compression stockings come in a variety of lengths. From thigh length to knee length stockings, you might be wondering which style works best to prevent post thrombotic syndrome and other vein disorders.

When it comes to ease of use and effectiveness, knee length stockings win out over thigh high compression stockings, says a study published in the January-February 2009 issue of the medical journal Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Because staff nurses noted that thigh high stockings were difficult to use with patients, researchers evaluated the use of different lengths of stockings in general surgery and urology patients. They found that compared to thigh high stockings, knee length stockings proved:

• more comfortable for patients
• easier for the staff to use
• less expensive
• less likely to cause injury
• just as effective as thigh high stockings

At St. Cloud Hospital in Minnesota, where this study was conducted, general surgery and urology patients will now wear knee high stockings, and the department of obstetrics and gynecology is considering the change for maternity compression stockings as well.

Graduated stockings, such as those made by Sigvaris, Mediven, Jobst, and Juzo, are available in multiple lengths, depending on your health condition. If your thigh high stockings are uncomfortable or difficult for you to put on, consider using a compression stocking aid – a device that makes it easier to pull the stockings over your legs.

You may also want to talk with your doctor about whether knee length stockings would work just as well to reduce your risk of varicose veins and venous disorders.

Compression Stockings for Runners

If you’re a runner, chances are you never leave for a 5K without your heart rate monitor and iPod. The next time you run, consider adding compression stockings to your must-have list. Research shows that support stockings, or calf and shin sleeves, improve running performance during both short, intense sprints and longer distance runs.

In this study, middle-aged runners ran on the treadmill while wearing support stockings. The German researchers who conducted the study, published in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that runners could run longer and had significantly better performance during both sprints (anaerobic exercise) and longer distance runs (aerobic exercise) when they wore the stockings.

Stockings for runners look a bit like leg warmers. They’re worn from the ankle to the knee, so runners also wear regular running socks over top of them.

Not only do the stockings keep runners’ calves warm during colder runs, but like stockings used for medical purposes, those used for runners also improve blood circulation and blood flow, allowing runners to run longer and faster. In addition, the stockings offer support to the calf and shins, reducing the likelihood of shin splints.

Here’s an example of a calf and shin sleeve stocking for runners:  Pro Tec Calf Sleeve.

Compression Stockings Help Heal Leg Ulcers

Are you one of the 500,000 or more people in the United States who experience leg ulcers every year?

Leg ulcers in the lower part of the body often affect people with circulation problems, varicose veins, blood clots, or leg swelling.  These leg ulcer wounds are not just unsightly – they’re also prone to infection, burning, itching, and swelling.

If you’re one of those suffering from leg ulcers, using compression stockings could help your leg ulcers heal, say reviewers published in the January 2009 issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

People with leg ulcers, which may be caused by post thrombotic syndrome, who used stockings found their ulcers healed more quickly than those who didn’t use the support hose. Certain types of stockings also tended to be more effective at improving leg ulcers, especially those that contained elastic fibers as opposed to other materials.

Less pain may also be associated with using stockings for leg ulcers, the reviewers noted.

Keep in mind, though, that using stockings can be confusing and difficult for some people. The researchers noted that many people who used them in the studies dropped out or experienced side effects, such as skin problems and an increased risk of blood clots.

Your best bet when using support stockings? First, talk to your doctor about using stockings and whether they’re right for you, based on your leg ulcer concerns. Next, if your doctor suggests TED stockings, make sure the stockings you buy fit properly. Using the wrong size stockings or using them incorrectly could add to your health problems. Finally, be sure to care for your stockings the right way so they continue to apply the proper amount of compression to your lower body.

Source: O’Meara S, et al. Compression for venous leg ulcers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, January 2009.