| Compression stockings (also known as medical | | | | necessary to reverse the problem. |
| stockings) are used to treat problems with blood and | | | | Compression stockings are sometimes referred to as |
| fluid circulation in the leg. Compression treatment is | | | | "graduated compression stockings." This is because |
| simple, relatively painless, and helps to decrease or | | | | they are constructed in such a manner that the |
| eliminate the need for drug or surgical treatment of | | | | amount of compression is greatest at the ankle. The |
| sluggish circulation. | | | | degree of compression gradually decreases from the |
| Circulation problems are frequently a symptom of a | | | | ankle upwards to just below the knee. |
| larger disease or disorder rather than a disorder in and | | | | Graduated compression accomplishes two things. First, |
| of itself (i.e. diabetes.) When poor circulation is an issue, | | | | it helps stave off the pooling effect to begin with. |
| the extremities such as the feet and hands suffer the | | | | Second, it helps move blood and fluids upwards from |
| most damage, particularly the feet. The reason is that | | | | the ankle and back to the heart. Combined with the |
| these parts of the body are the furthest from the | | | | force of pumping action in the calves, it essentially |
| heart. The circulatory system must work very hard to | | | | works like a machine against the force of gravity. |
| get oxygenated blood all the way from the heart to | | | | Medical compression stockings are sold in various |
| the feet, and then return that blood back to the heart | | | | levels of compression. These levels are measured in |
| for re-oxidization. It is particularly difficult for blood from | | | | mmHg (millimeters of mercury.) They may be |
| the feet to return to the heart via the veins, since blood | | | | purchased in styles that range from 10-15 mmHg up to |
| going in this direction has the added disadvantage of | | | | 50 plus mmHg. Only 10-15 and 15-20 mmHg stockings |
| fighting against the pull of gravity. | | | | may be purchased over the counter. Higher pressure |
| At the same time, fluid may build up in the lymphatic | | | | styles can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. |
| vessels of the legs and feet. Fluid is pulled downward | | | | Using medical stockings that apply too much pressure |
| through the force of gravity, and then collects and | | | | can cause damage to the limbs. Therefore, it's critical |
| pools there. This condition is known as edema or | | | | to be examined by a doctor who can determine the |
| lymphedema. Lymphedema puts the sufferer at a high | | | | correct amount of pressure that is needed. |
| risk for developing infections in the affected limb | | | | Many people think of compression stockings as |
| extremity. In rarer circumstances, lymphedema can | | | | unattractive and overly feminine. While old fashioned |
| lead to skin ulcers, limb deformity and even cancer. | | | | varieties may have fit that description, today's |
| Fortunately, both blood and lymph circulation problems | | | | technology has improved their aesthetic appearance |
| are easily treated through the use of medical | | | | dramatically. Medical stockings can be purchased in a |
| compression stockings. In fact, when these conditions | | | | range of colors, opacities and styles, rendering them |
| are detected in their early stages, the use of medical | | | | very hard to tell from ordinary socks/stockings. This |
| stockings may be the only course of treatment that is | | | | makes treatment much easier for the wearer. |