Compression Therapy

Compression-therapy.com focuses on providing information, resources, and links for the use of medical leg compression therapy stockings.  Here are some common questions and information regarding medical compression therapy stockings:

What are compression stockings?

Compression therapy stockings are tight-fitting stockings that are often recommended or prescribed by a doctor for a number of health issues, such as:

• Promoting circulation
• Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) such as edema, hyperpigmentation, stasis cellulitis, and venous stasis ulcers.
• Leg Aches/Swelling
• Varicose Veins
• Chronic Vein Insufficiency (CVI)
• Lymphedema (after decongestant therapy)
• Post-sclerotherapy Treatment
• CEAP C1, C2, C3, and C4
• Post-surgical procedures such as vein stripping, ligation, phlebectomy
• Support During Pregnancy
• Athletic Recovery (to flush out lactic acids and remove soreness)

Note that choosing any compression stockings over 20 mmHg should come with a doctor’s recommendation since there are some specific risks involved for some individuals.

Choosing the Right Compression Therapy Stockings
First, be sure you’re choosing the size and compression level of stockings that was recommended to you by your physician.  Some users can experience dangerous issues with blog clots if they have not first consulted with their doctor.

Stockings only work if they are properly fitted.   Often, stockings or socks come in dozens of sizes designed for the best fit possible for an individual’s foot and leg.  “Graduated Compression” means the compression is tighest at the ankle and loosens up gradually towards the top

How can I be sure that I have the right size?
All stockings have their own look and feel as well as sizing to fit your specific foot, ankle, and leg size as precisely as possible.  Sometimes there are dozens of different sizes for each stocking style and compression level.

Use a manufacturer’s sizing charts to correctly fit your stockings before you make a purchase.

Always measure sizing on dry, bare skin when swelling is down (preferably in the morning).  Get a good measurement with a tape measure, but don’t constrict the leg when taking measurements.

Compression therapy stockings are tight and difficult to put on and remove.  How do I do this quickly and easily?
Putting on stockings incorrectly can cause irritation and pain if there are locations where the stocking has bunched up.  There are stocking applicators that allow you to easily put on and remove compression stockings and socks by first “stretching” the sock or stocking across and inserting the foot, then sliding the stocking up the leg.  Generally there is less chance of the stocking bunching up or being damaged from incorrect donning.

Also recommended are rubber gloves to help massage the stocking up the leg or remove it when you’re finished wearing them.

How do I put on and take off Sigvaris stockings?
You want to don compression stockings correctly to avoid any skin irritation or damaging the product.  Stockings are donned with rubber gloves for traction to slide the stocking gently up the leg.   For instaince, Sigvaris has a simple applicator device that allows you to slip your foot into the stocking that allow it to “roll” up, adhering to the leg.