The main candidates for compression therapy are those who suffer from chronic venous disease. If you have experienced leg injury or surgery, excessive weight gain, prolonged periods without movement, or blood clots, compression therapy may be beneficial to you. Below we will take a look at how compression therapy works.
Compression Stockings
Compression therapy is a form of wound care. Specially designed stockings gently apply pressure to the ankles and legs to slowly stretch out vein walls and improve overall circulation. The stockings loosen up veins, which reduces pain in the legs and eliminates swelling.
Different types of compression stockings include: Carolon stockings, Circaid Juxta-Lite, Farrow wraps, and Jobst Ulcer Care Compression Stockings. The clinicians at Pacific Vein Care can recommend the best stockings for your compression therapy needs.
Principles of Compression Therapy
Compression stockings assist the blood in moving up the leg to efficiently relieve aching and heavy legs. Socks, stockings, tights, or bandages can be used in therapy, but stockings are the most common method of treatment. The stockings or bandages are medical devices, which means they must meet strict requirements. They are classified as orthesis, meaning their action is to support or to reinforce a part of the human body, not to be a substitute like a prothesis.
The pressure is stronger at ankle level and the pressure is degressive. The stockings respect the direction of the blood flow, which means the pressure is decreased gradually. This decrease is defined in the requirements of the devices and will be determined by our clinicians based on your individual needs.
Uses
Perhaps the most common use for compression stockings is for arthritis pain relief. Fibromyalgia, lymphatic diseases, and overuse of the legs are also reasons to seek out compression stockings. Compression stockings have such a wide range of uses that if you are experiencing any pain in your legs you should consult with our medical team to see if you would benefit from compression therapy.
Contact Pacific Vein Care to schedule your consultation today! Our office is conveniently located in McHenry, IL. We look forward to helping you live your best life.