Compression Stockings: What Are They and When Should a Patient Wear Them? What are compression stockings and when should they be worn? Many people do not know this. In addition, compression stockings are often confused with support stockings. Are you curious about what compression stockings are and when it is recommended that patients wear compression stockings? Then read on quickly!
What are compression stockings?
Article Summury
Compression Stockings: What Are They and When Should a Patient Wear Them? Compression stockings are elastic stockings that provide support to the lower leg by applying pressure. The stockings are increasingly popular and can be used for various purposes. Previously, the socks were mainly used for people with complaints such as thrombosis, varicose veins, and lymphedema. The stockings stimulate blood circulation, which greatly improves the discharge to the heart and lungs. In addition, the muscles are supplied with oxygen faster and the stocking gives extra stability to the calf and Achilles tendon. Compression socks are also recommended for patients who suffer from tired, swollen, or heavy legs. Many people suffer from fluid that accumulates in the lower legs, which causes a “heavy feeling”. The compression stockings put pressure on the fabric so that the moisture is removed. Compression stockings are often confused with support stockings. However, this is completely different. Support stockings are worn to prevent complaints. Compression stockings are worn against it for the treatment of complaints that already exist.
Sports compression stockings
In addition to good blood circulation, the stockings also ensure the supply of nutrients. This leads to fewer cramps in, for example, the ankles and calves. This makes it easy to prevent injuries, which is ideal for athletes. There are therefore sports compression stockings, especially for athletes. These are mainly worn by runners. Compression stockings are therefore often chosen for injuries to the lower legs. These are injuries to, for example, the Achilles tendon, the calf, or shin splints. It also has advantages to wear the stockings after walking. It has been proven that athletes experience less muscle pain when they use compression socks after training. If, in addition to shin splints, patients have a lot of muscle pain after exercise, they can wear these stockings not only during exercise but also afterward.
Different types of compression stockings
There are a total of 4 different types of compression classes in which the stockings can be classified. The higher the class, the higher the pressure exerted by the compression stocking. Below you can read in which situation which stocking applies.
- Class 1: stockings with a light and mild compression. These are worn with a tired and heavy feeling in the legs and light varicose veins.
- Class 2: stockings with medium compression. These are applicable for varicose veins, swelling or for the treatment of leg wounds.
- Class 3: stockings with a strong compression. These apply to severe varicose veins and the healing of an open leg.
- Class 4: stockings with a very strong compression. These apply to severe lymphedema, vein diseases and elephantiasis
