How Compression Stockings Work

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Compression stockings are hosiery that is designed to help improve blood circulation in the legs. It may help prevent venous insufficiency and guard against existing venous disorders such as phlebitis, edema and thrombosis from becoming worse. Compression stockings add pressure to the lower legs, ankles and thigh, and may be prescribed by a doctor.

To understand how compression stockings work, it may help to understand how blood flows through the body. After the cells use the oxygen-rich blood that is pumped from the heart to the cells, the deoxygenated blood that includes waste products such as lactic acid enter the veins and is pumped back to the heart and lungs to become oxygenated again.

Compression stockings are designed to add pressure
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There are diabetic socks that are not the same as compression stockings and are especially made for people with diabetes. Graduated compression stockings provide more compression at the ankle and decrease the pressure towards the knee. They may be knee-high or reach to the top of the thigh. They also come in several colors.

It is usually recommended to wear compression stockings all day unless our specialist prescribes a specific number of hours to wear them each day. Then you put on the stockings it is essential that they remain smooth with no wrinkles. Knee-high stockings should reach to about an inch below the knee bend. Body lotion may make it difficult to put on the stockings, so you should let it dry first. Baby powder or cornstarch on the legs may make it easier to put on the stockings. Usually, compression stockings are not worn at night.

It is recommended that people who stand for many hours each day such as a nurse, teacher or sales assistant, may consider wearing compression stockings at work. At the very least, they will improve circulation and prevent swelling of the feet and ankles. Some runners use compression stockings for faster recovery after workouts because they increase oxygenated blood to the