Compression Stockings Basic Info

The High Cost of Compression Stockings: Tips on Cutting Costs

The high price tag associated with compression hose keep many users from wearing compression stockings as recommended. Here are tips for cutting costs.

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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.

mmHg Compression Stockings: What Do Compression Stocking Levels Mean?

Mmhg stands for millimeter of mercury, a unit of measuring pressure. When it comes to compression stockings, mmHg refers to how tightly the elastic medical stockings support the veins in the leg. The higher the mmHg number, the greater the graduated stocking will squeeze the patient’s leg.

mmHg stockings come in a variety of brands (such as Sigvaris, Mediven, Jobst, and Juzo), styles, and compression levels. Here is a list of compression levels and who they’re used for:

8-15 mmHg

Doctors typically recommend these stockings for people with aching, fatigued legs; pregnant women; or people with careers that have them on their feet a lot. You can buy 8 to 15 mmHg stockings over the counter.

15-20 mmHg

This therapeutic version of stockings is often useful for people whose legs are prone to fatigue and swelling. Pregnant women, people with spider or varicose veins, or people with inherited circulatory problems may need to wear 15-20 mmHg stockings.

20-30 mmHg

Patients with a lot of heaviness and swelling in the legs, mild varicose veins, varicose veins during pregnancy, or who’ve just undergone vein surgery wear 20 to 30 mmHg stockings.

30-40 mmHg

Who wears 30-40 mmHg stockings? Patients prone to blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis), post-surgery patients, pregnant women with phlebitis, people with severe leg swelling and scars, stasis dermatitis sufferers, and those with lymphedema.

40-50 mmHg

People with severe venous ulcers, severe circulatory problems, and lymphedema need to wear these medical grade 40 50 mmHg compression levels.

50-60 mmHg

People with severe lymphedema, who’ve undergone surgery for compression lymphedema, and severe post thrombotic syndrome need to wear 50 60 mmHg ones.

Your doctor will help you decide which compression level is best for you and your medical condition.

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.

Varicose Legs and Compression Stockings

Bulging, painful varicose veins affect up to 25 percent of women. They’re unsightly, make standing on your feet difficult, and miniskirts are out of the question. For many women, though, suffering with varicose legs isn’t necessary. Here are some frequently asked questions about varicose vein treatment and compression stockings.

Why do varicose legs develop? What causes varicose veins?

The valves in your body’s system of veins help blood flow back to the upper body and prevent it from flowing backward toward the legs. When the valves weaken, though, blood can pool, causing the veins to expand and blue, lumpy knots known as varicose veins to develop.

Who gets varicose veins?

Heredity is a major factor in the development of varicose legs. People who spend a lot of time on their feet, pregnant women, those who fly extensively, and people who are overweight are also prone to varicose legs.

How bad can varicose legs get?

For many people, spider veins (precursor to varicose veins) or varicose veins don’t hurt – they’re just a cosmetic annoyance. For others, though, the veins can ache and make standing for any length of time difficult. In other cases, varicose legs could actually be an indicator of a more serious problem with the circulatory system.

How are varicose legs prevented?

There are a lot of easy ways that the average person can prevent varicose veins. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are key, since these two factors reduce the pressure on the legs and improve blood circulation.

Another varicose veins treatment: support stockings. Some popular brands of stockings are Juzo, Jobst, Sigvaris, and Mediven. These stockings come in different strengths, or levels of compression. They work by gently squeezing the legs so blood can flow better.

Measure Yourself for Compression Stockings

Wearing compression stockings that don’t fit can be a daily drag. Most physicians recommend that people who need to wear stockings for varicose vein treatment get specially fitted for these special support hose that increase circulation and reduce leg swelling.

A representative at your local medical supply store can fit you for your stockings and teach you how to wear them properly. However, if you want to buy stockings from an online retailer, you’ll need to measure yourself. Here are step-by-step instructions to measure yourself for stockings. Be sure to record each measurement for each leg.

1. Measure around your ankle (this measurement is called the circumference). Place the measuring tape at the narrowest part of the ankle, above the ankle bone.
2. Find the widest part of your calf. Measure the circumference of your calf.
3. Sit on a chair with your legs at a 90-degree angle. Measure the distance from the bend in your knee to the floor.
4. Find the widest part of your thigh – right under your buttocks. Measure the circumference of this part of your thigh.
5. Measure the distance from the bottom of your buttocks to the floor.
6. Find the widest part of your hips/waist and measure the circumference.

Take these recorded measurements and use them in conjunction with the sizing chart for the brand of stockings you’ve chosen, such as Mediven, Sigvaris, Juzo, or Jobst. All of these compression stocking manufacturers offer sizing charts that will ensure you get the proper fit.

How Long Should I Wear Compression Stockings?

If your doctor has recommended that you wear compression stockings for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), varicose veins, or other conditions that require vein support, chances are you have a lot of questions.

Your first question might be: how long should I wear them?

The answer: It varies.

Most people, especially those with DVT or PTS, start wearing the stockings immediately and wear them at all times, except when bathing and sleeping (your doctor may tell you to keep your legs elevated at night). For DVT patients, wearing the stockings is advised until you get back to your normal level of physical activity. For PTS patients, you may be advised to wear stockings for 2 years or more.

If your vein condition is mild, such as tired, aching legs due to the added weight of pregnancy, you may only wear stockings for a short period of time.

Before you purchase stockings, ask your doctor directly how many hours you should wear them daily and how long he or she expects you’ll have to wear them in general.

You should put your stockings on in the morning, when you get out of bed, but make sure that your legs are dry. If you use moisturizing lotion on your legs, put it on at night after you take your stockings off because the moisturizers may damage the stockings’ compressive fibers.

You should take your stockings off at night before getting into bed, wash the compression stockings, and lay them flat to dry.

To make going to the bathroom easier during the day, you may want to purchase thigh-high type stockings – these can be worn with a garter belt, if you want, and do not require you to pull down the stockings to use the toilet.

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 them easier to use.

Try these tips on for size:

• Skip the lotion or moisturizing creme. 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 stockings off for the day.
• Take off all jewelry before putting on your stockings. Rings and bracelets can snag on the compression hose, causing rips or tears.
• If putting on your stockings is difficult, try wearing a pair of latex or rubber gloves. The smooth surface will make it easier to grip the stockings as you move them up your legs.
• If you have trouble getting your stockings up, you can try a fitting lotion. A fitting lotion, also called a body adhesive, may help your stockings stay in place. An example of a fitting lotion is Jobst It Stays Roll On Body Adhesive.
• To keep your stockings snag-free, always wear shoes when wearing them. Walking around your home without shoes may cause your 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 them on your legs. But putting on these tight 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 stocking aids come in.

These devices 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.

Fabric Aids

Fabric aids are used with open-toe styled compression hose. 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 is the Terrycloth Sock Aid.

Gutter 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 aid is the Everyday Essentials Deluxe Hard Plastic Sock Aid.

Frame Aids

Frame stocking aids use a hard plastic or metal frame to stretch the 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 stockings 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.

How to Wash Compression Stockings

Are you wondering how to wash your compression stockings? Although the 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 stockings, first read the manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturers such as Sigvaris, Jobst, Mediven, and Juzo should include complete care instructions with your stockings. Some brands of 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 stockings by hand.

1. Start by filling a bucket, sink, or washtub with warm water.
2. Gently dip the 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 stockings soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt, oils, and skin cells from the stocking’s fibers.
5. Gently rub the 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 stockings.
7. Gently squeeze the 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 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 stocking wearers recommend a washing solution just for compression hose.

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

Compression stocking aids may also make putting on stockings easier.

Here are some general tips on how to wear stockings 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 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 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 stocking straight – you can use the seams as a guide.

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 socks said their symptoms improved when worn daily or almost daily.

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

Because the 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.

These 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 stockings require a prescription and come in 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, and 50+ mmHg varieties.
• High stockings come in 18-21, 23-32, 34-46, and up to 50 mmHg varieties. High level stockings are usually custom made.

Your doctor or phlebologist (a doctor who specializes in treating vein disorders and varicose vein treatment) may refer to these stockings as support hosiery, medical 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 retailer. Retailers such as Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven can tell you where to get fitted for their products through a simple website search.