Category — Compression Socks

“Stay healthy, and feel better when you wear compression.”

I am a big lover of compression knee high stockings and athletic socks.  If you travel on planes, sit for extended periods of time, or stand on your feet in retail, nursing or a manufacturing job, you should think about protecting your legs with compression socks.  The reason why is quite simple.  Compression hose improve circulation, and help aching legs feel better.  Any time you can do something to improve circulation and fight gravitational pull, you are just taking good care of yourself.  I started wearing them after the first leg stripping and was not told to continue wearing them.  After the veins popped out again, when I was standing on my feet all day, I tried them out again.  My legs have felt better ever since.

What should you buy or wear?  I love just plain looking socks or stockings.  As I do not have a serious diagnosis beyond the need to cover the blue tributaries running up and down my legs, and   some serious   resulting vanity issues wearing compression knee high socks is a luxury.  If you are like me, I would advise wearing light compression; lighter compression socks are labeled 8-15mmHg, or 15-20mmHg. 

The added benefit is that compression hose do not run or get holes in them as much as other hose and socks you buy at a drugstore.  Compression usually lasts 4-6 months.  (When compared with my normal hose, compression is a deal.  My regular hose are usually intact from the time I put them on to go to a wedding to the moment my toes poke out or put a run up my foot prior to the reception.)

I like to buy at least one pair to wear and one to wash to start out.  I try to get contrasting styles and colors so that I can wear them with different types of clothes and outfits.  I always buy one beige to go under pants and one athletic sock for around the house of for travel.  I love comfortable socks under boots.  Your style may be different. Wear a style that makes you look good and feel comfortable.

Product Care: Washing is easy.  I keep a bar of soap on the sink in my bathroom.  I rub the bar on the hose, gently rub and rinse.  On dry days they are ready for wear in the morning.  On rainy days they can take a few days to dry. You can throw them in the wash. I would advise using a lingerie bag if you do this.( I do not know about your washer, but my machine eats socks,  and gentle washables) Some people purchase Jolastic washing soap to clean their hose.  I love this product, but it is slightly more expensive than the bar of soap sitting on my sink.

Product Fit: If your compression rolls over at the top  use “It Stays” or try another fit.  Wearing poorly fitting compression hose, is as annoying as wearing knee socks that slide down your calves. Be sure to read the sizing charts offered you and measure your shoe size, your ankle and calf et. al. if required.  The right fit is important, so make sure that you have the right style and fit to suit your build and your individual  preferences. Compression hose are not returnable once the box has been opened. 

Be sure to not let your hose wrinkle and double up when wearing. Rolling socks is never good and are nearly always uncomfortable.  By rolling over the tops of compression socks, one is  increasing compression strength by doubling sock strength in areas where creasing and rolling is evident. This can be constrictive and constriction of blood flow is counter productive. For example a sock that is 8-15mmHg, can become a sock that has 16-30mmHg of strength when doubled over.  This may have the opposite affect of decreasing circulation.

Product Wear: Compliance is important for individuals with many diagnoses.  Some individuals wear compression all day every day.   In other cases, patients in hospitals (after certain procedures) wear anti-embolism hose through the night.  The trick is to find a product that is appropriate and comfortable. If you cannot find a product you like,  talk to your physician about products that you are willing to wear.  Sometimes compromises in style and strength can be discussed. In other situations,  donning  tools can be utilized to make putting on compression easier. There are also techniques that can be taught to make it easy to put on compression hose or socks. Getting compression hose on can be easy if you know what you are doing.

As always remember to Seek advice from a medical professional if you are having questions about donning, vascular issues, diagnoses or other problems.  Some diagnoses are very serious, and you may need to see a vascular specialist if your circulation is compromised or your legs have signs of  poor blood flow. Medical professionals are wonderful resources, and many of them are very knowledgeable about products and product alternatives. To order compression products visit http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com

Copyright 2008 Medical Health Supply, Inc.