What Does Compression Do
It increases blood flow to restore "fresh legs"!
Compression stockings are specialized socks that can be worn from the foot to the knee or thigh. In some cases, they come in the form of tights that reach up to the waist. They also come as "sleeves", footless socks that stretch from the ankle to the knee. These specialized stockings have a gradient of pressure (tighter in the foot and gradually less so toward the knees or thighs.) When worn properly, these stockings reduce swelling in the feet and also improve venous circulation in the legs.
Compression stockings or socks are a conservative method of treating disorders such as Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), varicose veins, lymphedema and Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) and they can also help prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. It is important to know that compression socks do not eliminate varicose veins. They just help control the discomfort that vein disease can cause.
Compression socks use a specialized weave of strong elastic to create pressure on the muscles in the legs, ankles and feet. This compression on surface veins forces blood out of the veins in the legs and back to the heart. This helps your legs feel lighter, and reduces pain and discomfort related to underlying vein disease.
Compression wear is called “graduated” because it is designed to apply more pressure in the ankle and foot and gradually decrease the pressure applied up the leg. This encourages the natural return of blood to the heart.
Some insurance requires that patients wear compression prior to procedures. Many of our patients also wear compression stockings after procedures on their legs. They help minimize bruising and clot formation in the treated veins. We recommend wearing them for about 10-14 days post procedure. We are proud to serve everyone from elite athletes to centenarians for compression socks and sleeves for health, exercise and travel.
