You just walked out of your doctor’s office with a prescription for compression stockings. This can bring on a mix of emotions and can be a humbling experience. The last thing you need is to also be confused.
That’s why we are going to explain why you may have received this prescription, how to order them and give you some hope that it may not be forever.
The Why Behind the Prescription
To best adhere to your prescription regimen with your compression stockings it is important to understand the why behind receiving the prescription.
Doctor’s lingo, being overwhelmed, and the shock of this new stage in your health can all be perplexing leaving you holding this prescription and wondering why.
Here are a few reasons you may need to wear compression stockings:
- Support Your Veins: The primary goal of your veins is to take your blood back to your heart. Due to many factors, your veins may begin to struggle with this goal. Therefore they will need support, this is where compression stockings come in. They add extra pressure to the walls of your veins allowing them the support they need to pump the blood back to your heart.
- You May Be At Risk: Your doctor may have noticed that you are at risk for some particularly serious health issues or diseases.
- Deep vein thrombosis is one reason you may need compression socks. This is when there is a clot in a vein that is deep in the body. The stockings will help keep it in place so that it does not become dislodged and cause serious complications in the body.
- Varicose Veins: When your veins fail at pumping the blood back to your heart they may collapse under the pressure. This leads to varicose veins. These stockings will help to keep the blood moving and treat the uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins. These veins can cause itching, swelling, and general discomfort.
- Diabetes: You may have been prescribed these stockings because you have diabetes and are having difficulty with circulation. Stockings can help keep circulation and sensation.
- Other Reasons: Athletes, pregnant women, frequent flyers, and people who stand for long periods of time, as well as others, are all people who may need compression stockings.
Important Things To Know About Compression Stockings
1. Compression stockings must be prescribed by a doctor. If you have a prescription for compression stockings, do not be fooled by advertisements stating they will give you the same benefits.
2. The compression of these stockings varies and you will need to select the compression that fits your illness or need. If you have difficulty with this you should speak with your physician for clarity.
3. You will need to undergo several measurements to obtain the correct level of compression that suits you. Do not attempt to measure this yourself, have a trained professional conduct this measurement to ensure you obtain the correct compression.
4. The stocking should be tighter at the ankle and become loose as it moves up towards the knee. This is referred to as “graduated compression.” The stockings are designed this way to keep blood moving up the leg back towards the heart. This will also prevent edema (swelling) of the ankles.
5. You will want to put on your stockings first thing in the morning before your legs have time to begin swelling.
How to Put on Compression Stockings
The Good News
Sleep:
The stockings do not need to be worn while you sleep. You can remove them and allow your legs to breathe. This is because you are lying flat and your veins do not need the extra support to bring the blood back to your heart.
Style:
Gone are the days of your grandmother’s nude compression stockings. They are now available in many different colors, lengths, materials, and styles. Do you wear a lot of dresses? They come in pantyhose as well! Thigh-high, knee-high, open or closed toe.
Washing:
Washing is made easy because they can be washed with cold water, but not with fabric softener. Air dry your compression stockings to ensure longer life and replace them after approximately 6 months of wear.
Length of Time:
If you are being treated for circulation issues you may not need to wear your stockings forever. It is important of course to speak with your prescribing physician before discontinuing use.
Dr. Mackay: Your Vein Specialist
Want to learn more about compression stockings? Book a consultation with Dr. Mackay.
