Compression stockings carry so much significance. From being merely worn for fashion and aesthetics to make a fashion statement to being used for practical purposes like supporting blood circulation in the legs, there are a lot of ways in which compression stockings are beneficial. You can think of them as a helping hand ready to assist you whenever you require them the most. However, these medical stockings play an instrumental role in helping an individual recover fast from an incurred injury or surgery.
From enhancing blood circulation, preventing blood clots, and alleviating pain levels, there are so many ways in which these compression stockings for recovery could be advantageous to an individual recovering from an injury or a surgical intervention. But how do you choose the perfect pair of stockings for recovery and mobility? Certain factors are there adhering to which you can finalize an ideal pair of stockings for yourself. Read ahead, as in today’s blog, we’re going to cover in-depth how beneficial compression stockings are and what factors we need to consider while choosing a pair of stockings.
Benefits Of Compression Stockings For Mobility & Recovery
Unlike your normal stockings, compression stockings provide more compression to the legs. They are based on a gradual compression mechanism, with the pressure being the most around the ankle and gradually decreasing as it moves up. This differentiated squeezing action is what forms the basis for helping an individual recover fast from injury or surgery to regain old mobility. Here’s a brief on how compression stockings could be good for you.
1. Improves Blood Circulation
TED stockings are based on a graduated compression mechanism, which means it’s the greatest at the ankles and loosens up as they move up toward the calves. This notable difference in the squeeze action solves one of the biggest problems that individuals with low mobility face, i.e., poor circulation. These stockings aren’t only effective for the ankles; rather, they provide complete support to the whole of the leg, including the feet as well. The firm pressure prevents blood pooling in the lower extremities of the body by facilitating an optimal blood transfer from the legs to the heart.
2. Decreases Swelling Instances
Swelling, no doubt, is a common occurrence seen after a surgical procedure or injury or in those with low mobility. It’s typically a manifestation of poor circulation, due to which fluid retention starts taking place. While it generally causes issues like pain, discomfort, and diminished range of motion, if allowed to persist, it can interfere with the healing process and, in severe cases, might cause infection. The gradient-based pressure helps push back blood toward the heart more conveniently, preventing its accumulation in the lower extremities. This preventive act is what sets the stage for reducing swelling instances.
3. Betters Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphedema is a common ailment related to the lymphatic system. Usually, it happens due to a sports injury in which the lymphatic vessels and nodes get damaged. This damage causes an impaired drainage system that leads to the accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues. The same problem can arise in those with low mobility as well, as they don’t keep up with the required body’s muscle movements. Compression stockings play an important role in resolving these issues as they apply ample pressure to the affected area, facilitating the movement of fluids through the restricted lymphatic system.
4. Helps With Orthostatic Hypotension
Also referred to as postural hypotension, orthostatic hypotension is a condition characterized by a sudden blood pressure drop that one experiences while standing up. Symptoms linked to it include dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting (syncope) in rare cases. Typically, it happens due to blood pooling in the legs’ veins. The gentle yet firm pressure of compression socks prevents blood pooling and sudden blood pressure drops while getting up. Moreover, it also assists in enhancing the venous return, again helping maintain the right blood pressure while standing up.
5. Prevents Blood Pooling
Those with low mobility or restricted bodily movements are more prone to facing complications of blood pooling. While in its earlier phase, it causes issues like swelling, pain, skin changes, and ulcers; if overlooked, it can take a serious turn and result in complications like bleeding and even a life-threatening ailment such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The differentiated pressure of compression stockings helps prevent blood pooling and also thwarts the probability of blood clots.
7. Alleviates Pain And Discomfort
Those with poor circulation are most likely to face inconveniences like aching and heavy legs. These discomforts would go on worsening if a treatment isn’t opted for. By using compression stockings, you can effectively combat these common issues, as the graduated pressure will aid in making the blood flow normal again. The applied pressure would prevent blood pooling in the lower parts of the body and will accordingly reduce instances of aching, swelling, and heaviness that were linked to poor circulation in the legs.
8. Prevents Venous Ulcers
People with low, reduced mobility are more likely to develop venous ulcers due to the leg muscles remaining static, which causes blood to pool in the veins. Over time, this pooled blood causes increased pressure and tissue breakdown that causes ulcers. The firm pressure applied by stockings induces the calf muscles to carry on with their normal functioning, which helps to reduce pressure in the veins to prevent blood pooling and accordingly eliminate the risk of ulcers.
Factors To Consider While Choosing Compression Stockings
The market is flooded with numerous choices of compression stockings. So how do you find an ideal pair for yourself that serves you the intended benefits? Luckily, there are certain considerations that you can bear in mind while finalizing a perfect pair of compression stockings for yourself. Here’s a brief of those key factors:
1. Compression Level
Choosing the right compression-level-based socks is crucial to allow the calf muscles to act properly. Doing so would allow the calf muscle's pump function to operate optimally and prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities of the body. The compression level, also known as grades of pressure, is measured in mmHg and you generally get three grades of pressure for it. 15-30 mmHg compression stockings, 20-30 mmHg compression socks, and 30-40 mmHg compression stockings are the options that you get. Based on your intended use, your healthcare expert would suggest you the right compression stockings.
2. Size And Fitting
You never want to wear ill-fitting compression stockings. The fitting must be adequately comfortable, neither too tight nor too loose. Failing to choose the right fitting might harm you instead of serving any benefit. Plus, you also need to go with the right-sized stocking option that provides you with the needed compression.
3. Material
Compression stockings are available in multiple material options. Generally, they are engineered as a fusion of multiple materials that might include cotton, nylon, spandex, and polyester. Most of the experts suggest using a stocking made using a blend of nylon and spandex, as it provides the required support and comfort for faster recovery and regaining mobility.
4. Compression Mechanism
It is advised to choose a pair of compression stockings that is based on a graduated compression mechanism. Going with an option that is based on non-graduated compression (uniform compression) criteria won’t yield you much beneficial results. While these uniform compression-based stockings are good for general support and care, they fail to promote a healthy blood flow throughout the legs to prevent blood clots and other reduced movement-related issues.
5. Toe Style
For it, you get two options: open-toe and closed-toe. Open-toe compression stockings provide your feet more room for breathability and ventilation, making them an excellent choice for warm and humid environments. On the other hand, the closed-toe option is a bit higher on the compression side, making them a much better choice to be worn year-round.
6. Medical Condition/Purpose Of Use
Another crucial factor that you need to consider before choosing a pair of compression stockings for yourself is the medical condition that you’re suffering from or your purpose of use. If you've got more risk of developing blood clots, you might be required to wear a stocking option that is a bit high on the compression side. On the other hand, if reduced mobility is your concern, a stocking option with even a low compression level might work for you. So, first of all, assess what your purpose of use is before finalizing a stocking option
Closing Remarks
As specialized garment pieces, compression stockings serve a whole lot of purpose to their users. The applied firm pressure helps facilitate a healthy bloodstream throughout the legs, eventually leading to better blood sending to the heart. This flawless blood movement promotes easy oxygen transfer to the muscles and tissues of the site of injury/incision, resulting in a faster recovery and early mobilization. We at SNUG360 offer a splendid range of compression stockings fabricated using high-quality material. Designed in the USA, our range of stockings is made with only one purpose: providing users with unmatched comfort, care, and relief from all possible issues encountered during recovery from a surgical procedure or an injury.