What are Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings, sometimes referred to as compression hose, are garments that are specially designed to stimulate blood circulation by applying gradient and non-gradient pressure on the muscles and vascular system of the waist, thighs, legs, ankles and feet to prevent circulatory problems such as blood clotting, blood pooling, edema, phlebitis and thrombosis from occurring.
What are the different styles of compression stockings?
There are essentially three styles of compression stockings: waist-high (typically worn during pregnancy), thigh-high and knee-high and all are sold over-the-counter without a prescription and depending on what is being treated can be custom-measured and fitted by an attending assistance in most pharmaceutical or medical supply stores. Knee-high compression stockings are limited in their mmHg compression ranges with the highest compression range stockings being TED hose or anti-embolism hose. If a higher compression level is needed then they can be custom-made with a prescription. In the lower range of knee-high garments are support socks.
Unlike conventional stockings and socks compression stockings are made with a denser weave which creates a stronger elasticity that provides a higher level of pressure. This pressure compresses the surface veins, arteries and muscles so that blood is forced through narrower circulatory channels increasing arterial pressure which causes more blood to return to the heart rather than pool in the feet.
What are the different types of compression stockings?
There are two types of compression stockings: Gradient and non-gradient commonly referred to as Anti-embolism. For further information on each type see: Graduated compression stockings and Non-gradient compression stockings.
