Though stairlifts are our most popular offering and the only one that made it into our URL, ADL offers several other medical products and services. Today, we’ll present an overview of one of them: compression socks.
What Are Compression Socks?
While you may have heard of compression socks, unless you or someone in your family has used them, you may have only a passing familiarity. More formally known as compression stockings, this medical product is designed to provide gentle pressure to the feet, legs, or ankles.
Available by prescription or over the counter depending on your level of compression needed, compression stockings come in various shapes, sizes, and pressure levels to suit every body and medical need.
Who Needs Compression Socks?
There are many medical conditions, both chronic and acute, that require pressure treatment to relieve symptoms. Often, socks designed with the appropriate level of pressure for your body are the easiest solution.
Here are a few reasons patients may get a prescription.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis typically forms in the legs (though it’s possible to find it in other deep veins) and is a form of a blood clot. The proper compression can assist blood in flowing smoothly.
Varicose Veins
Like their function with DVT patients, compression socks help prevent blood pooling and push blood back into the legs, reducing or preventing the pain and swelling from varicose veins.
Phlebitis
Another vein disorder, phlebitis, is the painful swelling of the veins. Compression helps to reduce swelling and regulate blood flow.
Temporary Conditions
Not everyone who uses compression stockings needs them for a chronic condition. There are many temporary ailments gentle pressure can relieve.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Sometimes, after surgery, patients can develop blood clots or swelling. Often, compression socks are used temporarily to keep the blood flowing and the patient stable and healthy during recovery.
Pregnancy Side Effects
Pregnancy can result in many of the above vein disorders, and the correct compression can minimize or prevent them. They also help with morning sickness!
Long Plane Rides
Long periods of inactivity and high altitudes can wreak havoc on blood flow. That’s why many people who otherwise don’t need them use compression stockings on long flights.
How to Choose Compression Stockings
When choosing your stockings, there are several factors to consider, but the most vital thing to do is talk to your doctor. Your doctor will know if you are a good candidate for the treatment due to your health conditions and family history and will recommend the right socks for you.
Size of Sock
Like traditional socks, the compression variety comes in various lengths that can go as high as your knees. Which size you need will depend on your size and the location of your medical condition.
Compression Level
While over-the-counter socks are available for lighter levels of compression, you’ll need a prescription if you need stronger compression. The compression level matters quite a bit, and you should only use socks that provide the appropriate level for you. Stockings should be snug but not so tight they restrict blood flow.
Where to Buy
Though it may be tempting to consider them clothing, compression socks are a medical product and should only be purchased from reputable sellers. Only buy from medical supply companies like ADL, pharmacies, or reputable, well-reviewed resellers. Quality matters when your health is at stake!