Compression wear includes leg wear such as gradient stockings and arm sleeves. They are different from athletic or dress socks. They are designed to improve circulation in the arms and legs. Improved circulation cures swelling and aches caused by the accumulation of blood or lymph in the limbs. These stockings and arm sleeves are used to treat ailments like lymphedema, blood clots and venous ulcers.

Compression stockings are used in the treatment of varicose veins. The stockings do not allow the veins near the skin to expand. This reduces amount of blood that can flow through the veins that are closer to the skin. The design of the garment is such that the tissues just beneath the skin are also compressed. This causes the blood to flow into the inner veins or capillaries. The gradient stockings are designed to ensure highest compression at the ankle. The pressure progressively decreases towards the upper part of the leg. This prevents blood from accumulating in the legs.

Lymphedema
The pressure of the garment also prevents too much fluid from seeping out of the capillaries. This makes it a preferred mode of managing lymphedema - a condition where lymph tends to accumulate in the limbs. Lymphedema patients are required to wear compression stockings when they travel by air to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

DVT
DVT is the clotting of blood in a deep vein. It is a result of frequent travel in planes where humidity is not properly maintained. Therefore, it is known as economy class syndrome. Two years of compression therapy is recommended for patients who have DVT by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Compression wear is required by because it controls DVT and also prevents Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS).

Who else needs compression wear?
Pregnant women may also need compression therapy because pregnancy hormones affect blood vessels. This leads to swelling of veins. The extra blood produced to carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus tend to accumulate at the ankles or knees. Medical compression stockings are different from antiembolism stockings because the latter are made for bed bound patients. Patients need to switch to compression stockings when they start moving around.

Compression leg wear and arm sleeves are available at medical stores and may be purchased over the internet. Stockings and arm sleeves that have higher compression can be purchased only if they are prescribed by physicians.



Posted by: Emily    Source

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