These days, compression stockings are not only able to benefit your vascular health but can be aesthetically pleasing, too.
To understand how they help, you only need to know that compression applied on the skin’s surface can help improve blood flow. When compression is applied to the legs, it can help prevent a number of circulatory conditions.
Benefits of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings contain elastic that applies a gradient of pressure when worn – so that the stockings are tighter in the foot and less so closer to the knee. This pressure on the veins helps propel blood flow back toward the heart.
Compression stockings can improve blood flow and reduce swelling in the legs. These special stockings can help those suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), lymphedema, and varicose veins.
Compression stockings can also help prevent the formation of blood clots, especially during periods of inactivity, as well as ease the discomfort of varicose veins.
Who Should Wear Compression Stockings
If you have circulation problems or at risk of developing blood clots, then you can really benefit from wearing compression stockings. Moreover, if you have varicose veins or venous leg ulcers or leg edema, or if your job requires you to spend a lot of time on your feet, compression stockings can really provide comfort and relief.
If you are in recovery after having undergone surgery, long periods of bed rest can put you at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression stockings, along with exercise therapy, can help decrease your risk of DVT. Lastly, when it comes to flying, people who wear compression stockings while traveling are less likely to experience swelling in their legs and DVT.
If you have any of the conditions above, you can talk to your doctor about using compression stockings.
Foot and Ankle Specialists in Tennessee
Watauga Orthopaedics is proud to have the only fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist in the Tri-City area. Dr. Karen McRae is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.
After a careful assessment of your condition, Dr. McRae can determine whether compression stockings may be right for you. She can even recommend the most appropriate type and compression level for your condition.
At Watauga Orthopaedics, we understand how limiting foot, ankle, and leg problems can be. Our physicians always take a warm and compassionate approach with our patients. We believe in using personalized treatment plans.
If you have any questions about our orthopedic services, please call us at (423) 282-9011 or request an appointment now using our secure online form. We look forward to seeing you in our offices in either Johnson City or Kingsport, Tennessee.
