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A Full Guide to Full Leg Compression Stockings and Other Stockings
Compression stockings offer various benefits to people of all ages, especially to our elderly loved ones. This article will discuss the benefits of using one and the different kinds of compression stockings: full leg compression stockings, below knee stockings, and custom compression stockings. Provided later on would be a table of comparisons to discuss the benefits of each one in an easier to understand way.
What are compression stockings?
Compression stockings, also known as compression socks, are intended to be worn for compression therapy purposes. In addition to applying light pressure on your legs and ankles, they also help to promote better blood flow from the legs to the heart.
Aside from reducing discomfort and swelling in your ankles and legs, compression socks can also help you sleep better at night.
How Do I Know If I Should Use Compression Stockings?
Before investing in compression stockings, it is vital to realize that not everyone should use compression stockings. The reason for this is that there are specific compression stockings for a person’s needs. Listed below are some of the reasons why you should use compression stockings.
When you have varicose veins
Varicose veins are enlarged or swollen veins that appear when blood is not transmitted correctly in our body. People with varicose veins can significantly benefit from compression stockings since it helps keep the blood flowing back up to the heart.
When you are Pregnant
Pregnant women who have a hard time dealing with the extra weight will benefit from using compression stockings. When pregnancy progresses, the lower body carries most of the added weight, making blood circulation harder. Compression stockings specifically for pregnant women will help aid the blood circulation in the body, which will help with lessening soreness of the legs and swelling.
People who are in a wheelchair
If you feel swelling in your legs due to lack of movement, wearing compression stockings can help improve blood flow circulation.
People who are on their feet all-day
If your work involves walking or standing up for most of the day, then you can go to your doctor and ask if wearing compression stockings Is the right step for you. Numerous research has shown that wearing compression stockings can also alleviate fatigue in our legs.
People who are suffering from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a condition in which blood clots form deep within the body’s veins, commonly in the lower legs or thighs. Symptoms include pain or tenderness and swelling.
Always Consult a Professional:
Although there are several indicators to know if you should wear compression stockings, it is always best to consult a professional before buying one. A doctor can advise you on whether you should use full leg compression stockings or below-knee stockings. Compression stockings also offer different levels of pressure best suited for your needs. That is why consulting a professional is necessary to know what level of pressure you should get.
How To Use Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings are worn in the same way as a regular stocking. Put your toes inside the stocking first and roll the hose up to your leg. Avoid grabbing the fabric too much to avoid any rips or tears. Compression stockings are usually worn throughout the day and removed during the night. You may also wear your compression stockings for twenty-four hours, but this should only be done if advised by a medical professional.
When wearing compression stockings, it is better to let your skin dry first, especially if you plan to wear one after taking a shower. Moisture makes it more challenging to put the stockings on. Using compression stockings help in various ways, and we will discuss all of them in detail below.
Types of Compression Stockings
As earlier mentioned, there are three types of compression stockings, and they are the following: full leg compression stockings, below knee stockings, and custom compression stockings. Each type of compression stockings has a different use in comparison to the other.
Why Use Full Leg Compression Stockings?
Full leg compression stockings or thigh-high compression stockings are beneficial for treating varicose veins and improving blood circulation in areas that extend to above the knee. Compression stockings that are thigh-high cover the entire leg. Because of this, compression therapy can be applied to the whole leg.
Why Use Below Knee Stockings?
Below knee stockings are beneficial for people whose work involves standing for long periods and perfect for treating varicose veins. However, unlike full leg compression stockings, the below-knee stockings offer compression therapy only to areas below the knees. That is why it is essential to consult your doctor to be correctly advised on what type of compression stockings you should wear.
Why use Custom Compression Stockings?
Like the name itself suggests, custom compression stockings or socks offer customized support and benefits catered to your needs. Another advantage of wearing custom compression stockings is that if the compression offered in the market is too tight or loose for your needs, these stockings will be able to provide you with the perfect level of compression. Like the two types mentioned above, custom compression stockings help better blood flow circulation and treat swelling. If you want to wear custom compression stockings, you should consult your doctor first.
Table Of Comparison For Easier Reference:
| Comparison | Full Leg Compression Stockings | Below Knee Stockings | Custom Compression Stockings |
| Perfect For: | Those people who have blood circulation problems that extend to the whole legs. | The people who stand up for long periods. Also the people with problems in blood circulation with veins that are limited only to below the knees. | Moreover, people who want to address their needs specifically.
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| Benefits: | Using full leg compression stockings will make the whole leg benefit in improving blood circulation. Helps treat the appearance of varicose veins. Help reduce swelling above the knee. Help improve blood circulation. | Easier to wear compared to full leg compression stockings. Help treat varicose veins. Helps improve blood circulation. | Tailor fit to your specific needs. Helping improve blood circulation. Reduce the feeling of aches and pains. Reduces the appearance of varicose veins. It helps reduce swelling. |
| How Long Should You use? | Generally, you should wear full leg compression stockings only during the day. However, a doctor may prescribe a longer or shorter period, depending on your needs, especially in the case of custom compression stockings. | ||
Full Leg Compression Stockings and Other Stockings – the right step?
After reading the information above, I hope you now know whether wearing compression stockings is the right choice for you. Always remember that before investing in full leg compression stockings, below knee stockings, or custom compression stockings, consulting a doctor is of utmost importance. A doctor will advise you on the level of compression therapy you need and the duration of time you need to wear your compression stockings.
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