Support stockings, sometimes known as compression stockings, are made from a strong elastic material; they fit snugly at the foot and are less tight at the knee and thigh. Support stockings help relieve a variety of disorders that affect the legs and thighs.
Function
Support stockings apply pressure that is graded, which allows the constant squeezing of the leg muscles. Worn correctly, support stockings can reduce the swelling in the feet and decrease the chance of blood clots forming in the legs.
Significance
Support stockings relieve the symptoms of varicose veins by reducing the pooling that occurs; this helps reduce aching, swelling, and heaviness. Support stockings are also beneficial for venous insufficiency, lymphedema, and to prevent blood clots in the legs.
Hospital Protocols
According to VeinDirectory.org, the formation of blood clots is a leading cause of death in the U.S. In most cases, hospital protocols recommend that all patients be fitted with support stockings---especially if they are not ambulatory.
Treatment
For venous ulcers, varicose veins and lymphedema, support stockings may need to be worn indefinitely, possibly for life. For patients with an increased risk of blood clots in the legs, support stockings should be worn daily and removed at night.
Warning
Because support stockings decrease blood supply by squeezing leg muscles and driving blood away from the heart, they should not be worn by people who are diabetic, or smokers.
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