Compression Stockings: Benefits, Uses, and How They Work

Anyone who experiences pain in her feet and legs and suffers swelling in those areas is a candidate for compression stockings. Compression stockings can be found at most pharmacies or at a medical supply store and should be worn from morning to night by most patients.

Function

• Compression stockings prevent the blood in your legs from gathering at the feet, which usually causes swelling and can lead to blood clots.

Treatment

• Compression stockings are regularly used to treat things like lymphedema,chronic venous insufficiency, post phlebitic syndrome and varicose veins.

Pregnancy

• Because compression stockings prevent blood from gathering at the bottom of the feet, they are often worn by women who experience intense swelling in their feet during pregnancy.

Travel

• If traveling for a long duration of time, such as an overseas trip, compression stockings are helpful since you will be sitting for an extended period.

Adjusting

• If you have never worn compression stockings, they can take some getting used to since they are tight at the top and can initially feel constricting. They can also make a person feel warm.

Daily Use

• There are no side effects to wearing compression stockings on a daily basis. When a person is not wearing compression stockings, they should keep feet elevated to prevent blood from pooling at the feet.