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Compression stockings are used to support the venous and lymphatic systems of the leg.[1] They offer graduated compression where maximum compression is achieved at the ankle and decreases as you move up the leg. This compression, when combined with the muscle pump effect of the calf, aids in circulating blood and lymph fluid through the legs.
Today, compression stockings are available in a wide range of opacities, colors, styles and sizes, making them virtually indistinguishable from regular hosiery or socks.
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Indications for use
- Tired, aching legs
- Varicose veins
- Venous insufficiency
- Edema (swelling)
- Lymphedema
- Burn scar
- Prevention [2][3] of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) following DVT [4]
- Clinical trial results published in 2009 failed to support the use of low compression, anti-embolism stockings to prevent DVT with Stroke victims in a non-ambulatory, hospital setting.[5]
- Compression sportswear
Compression classes
Compression stockings are constructed using elastic fibers or rubber. These fibers help compress the limb, aiding in circulation.
Compression stockings are offered in different levels of compression. The unit of measure used to classify the pressure of the stockings is mmHg. They are often sold in one of the following pressure ranges:
Support - over-the-counter
- 10-15 mmHg
- 15-20 mmHg
With the advice or prescription of a physician or medical professional and proper sizing from a trained fitter.
- 20-30 mmHg
- 30-40 mmHg
- 40-50 mmHg
- 50+ mmHg
Compression levels used by some manufacturers for custom made, flat knitted products in the US. Also used in Europe.
- 18-21 mmHg
- 23-32 mmHg
- 34-46 mmHg
- >50 mmHg
Styles
- Knee-high (AD)
- Thigh-high (AG)
- Pantyhose (AT)
Commonly used terms for compression stockings
- Anti-embolism - Worn when non-ambulatory or post-surgical to help prevent pooling of blood in the legs that could lead to a venous thrombosis.
- Custom - uniquely made for a specific individual.
- Circular Knit - Seamless stockings that offer greater aesthetic appeal.
- Flat Knit - Stockings made with a seam that can be constructed in virtually any shape or size. Most often used in higher compression classes.
- Silver - Stockings constructed using special silver textile fibers. Silver offers natural anti-microbial protection.
- Lymphedema - compression stockings used to manage edema resulting from the onset of Lymphedema
- Support - mild compression stockings sold over-the-counter and without a physician's prescription
See also
- Diabetic sock, which provides the opposite features
- Graduated Compression, which provides graduated compression, with applications in elite sport
References
- ^ Blättler W, Zimmet SE (2008). "Compression therapy in venous disease". Phlebology 23 (5): 203–205. doi:.
- ^ Amaragiri SV, Lees TA (2000). "Elastic compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD001484. doi:.
- ^ Clarke MJ, Hopewell S, Juszczak E, Eisinga A, Kjeldstrøm M (2006). "Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD004002. doi:.
- ^ Kokkos SK, Daskalopoullou SS, Daskolopoulos ME, Nicolaides AN, Geroulakos G (2006). "Review on the value of graduated elastic compression stockings after deep vein thrombosis". Thromb Haemost 96: 441–5.
- ^ The CLOTS Trials Collaboration (multiple members as co-authors) (2009), "Effectiveness of thigh-length graduated compression stockings to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis after stroke (CLOTS trial 1): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial", The Lancet 373 (9679): 1958–1965, 6 June 2009, doi:, PMID 19477503, archived from the original on 15 July 2009, http://www.webcitation.org/5iHfMPTwO, retrieved 15 July 2009
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