A Short Guide to the Benefits of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings help people feel comfortable throughout the day and help prevent serious medical conditions by improving blood flow.
Sometimes referred to as compression socks, they are snug, stretchy and available in a variety of styles, lengths and fabrics. By maintaining consistent pressure on your legs, they help with circulation, which reduces leg swelling and leg pain.
Compression products, like stockings and sleeves, come in many sizes and strengths, so it's best to consult with your doctor to figure out which kind are best for you.
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Keep in mind: Certain types are available without a prescription, but if they are prescribed by a doctor, they could be covered by your insurance coverage. |
What are Graduated Compression Stockings?
In contrast to standard compression products, which offer only one level of compression, graduated compression socks provide a lot of pressure at the ankle and less pressure higher up on the leg.
This graduated design is more effective at improving circulation because it acts like an external layer of muscle on your lower leg that helps promote blood flow back to the heart.
What Do Compression Stockings Do?
Compression stockings help prevent a host of circulatory problems, including blood clots from deep vein thrombosis, while reducing pain and swelling in the legs.
People of all ages use compression stockings for:
- Treating spider veins or varicose veins
- Mitigating leg pain and fatigue
- Preventing swelling in the feet, ankles and legs
- Improving blood pressure and circulation
- Averting blood clots
- Increasing energy levels
Who Wears Compression Stockings?
Although many people think that compression stockings are only for pregnant women, they are actually used by a wide segment of the population, including men and women of all ages. There are lots of people who benefit from the boost in circulation provided by compression products.
Compression stockings are used by:
- People at risk for circulatory problems
- People recovering from surgery
- People who spend most of their time in bed
- Athletes
- Pregnant women
- People who spend long periods of time in airplanes
- People who work on their feet
- People who sit for long periods of time
Stockings, Compression Ratings and Prescriptions
Compression stockings are available in several different levels of compression. Compression ratings are measured in units of pressure, expressed as millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
Mild Compression
Stockings with ratings of 8-15mmHg or 15-20mmHg are available without a prescription, which makes them the most popular choice. They are great at preventing the mild swelling and fatigue that comes with long periods of time spent sitting or standing for the average person.
Moderate Compression / Medical Grade Class I
Compression products with a rating of 20-30mmHg require a doctor's prescription. They are used to provide relief from moderate to severe varicose veins and lymphatic edema. Because they are so effective at helping with medical issues like active ulcers and post-thrombotic syndrome, they are widely prescribed. As the most commonly used type of compression stockings, they are used by many pregnant women and people recovering from various surgeries.
Strong Compression / Medical Grade II
The strongest compression stockings available are only available by prescription and have a rating of 30-40mmHg. These products are used to help treat blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema, severe edema and leg ulcers.
Get Your Compression Stockings at Healthcare Solutions
As an industry-leading supplier of healthcare products that has been serving Canadians for over 30 years, Healthcare Solutions has a vast selection of compression stockings, sleeves and accessories. Whether you choose to shop through our online store, or at one of our two locations in the Edmonton area, you get to choose from:
- Knee-high,thigh-high or pantyhose compression stockings
- Maternity compression
- Sports compression; calf/arm sleeves, pants, leggings, shorts and shirts
- Travel Compression
- Diabetic Compression
Healthcare Solutions carries the top brands in the industry, including Sigvaris, Jobst, Medivan and L&R/Venosan to make sure our customers have ample selections when it comes to fabrics, styles and patterns.
Compression stocking are available the full spectrum of colours, as well as striped and argyle patterns, in the following premium fabrics:
- Nylon
- Cotton
- Spandex
- Microfiber
- Natural rubber
- Merino wool
Healthcare Solutions Provides Personalized Service and Advice
When you visit Healthcare Solutions in person, one of our certified compression fitters will help you find the right products and sizes, so you can focus on finding the colours, fabrics and styles you like most.
There's no need for an appointment, and our specialists are always on hand to help you find what you are looking for.
For online shoppers, you can always reach out to us by phone (1-800-565-0333), email (info@healthcaresolutions.ca) or you can send us a message, and our staff will gladly provide all the information you need.
1 comment
I do a lot of running, hiking and play a lot of sports. Felicia at healthcare solutions hooked me up with some compression socks and I’ve noticed a huge benefit. During my longer runs I feel more support which is great for my joints. I also feel less tired since the added circulation helps deliver oxygen to my muscles more efficiently. Wearing compression socks and sleeves gives me an extra boost of explosiveness as well as confidence in injury prevention. I would recommend proper compression wear to all fellow athletes and I had great service with healthcare solutions.