Over the past several weeks, the Advantage Home Health Solutions Blog has placed a primary focus on compression stockings. Among other important points, our series of blogs has highlighted the various ailments that compression stockings help to alleviate. We have also listed the ways in which they assist with injury recovery.
Let it be known that compression stockings provide ample support for more than just the legs. They are also known to promote whole body health!
They alleviate swelling due to lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a condition that is characterized by swelling due to lymphatic fluid build-up. It generally impacts the arms and hands. In many cases, lymphedema is brought on after surgeries or radiation therapy, particularly for breast cancer patients. Compression stockings apply gentle pressure that encourages the lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area. This helps to reduce swelling and discomfort in the arms and hands.
Compression garments are made of elasticized fabric, communicates the Canadian Cancer Society. “They put a controlled amount of pressure on different parts of the arm or leg to help move lymph and keep it from building up,” their website explains, “The garment may need to be worn all day (during waking hours), when working and when you exercise. It is important to use compression garments during air travel because lymphedema can become worse at high altitudes.”
They help to manage chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
This condition occurs when your leg’s veins struggle to send blood back to the heart. Ineffective valves can cause the blood to flow backwards, causing a pooling of blood in the legs. Most often this leads to swelling, pain and the development of varicose veins. It is true that CVI tends to impact the legs. However, it can also affect other parts of the body like the pelvic region. Compression stockings can be used to improve blood flow and reduce the pooling of blood. This reduces the symptoms throughout the body.
As described by Canada Vein Clinics, common CVI symptoms include swollen legs or ankles, leg ulcers, varicose veins, discolouration of affected areas, cramping, tightness and pain. “If left untreated these symptoms can worsen and lead to much more severe medical complications,” warns their website, “If you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to seek medical help and come in for a consultation. Regularly wearing compression stockings and staying active can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of CVI.”
They provide post-surgery support.
There are many different surgeries that compression stockings can help patients to recover from. Abdominal surgeries, for example, treat conditions that affect the stomach, small intestines, spleen, appendix and the colon. Such ailments may include infection, tumours, hernia repair and bowel disease. Compression garments designed for the abdomen provide uniform pressure to the abdominal area. They help to reduce swelling and support the muscles and tissues as they heal.
Australia’s Dr. Craig Rubinstein notes that compression stockings are an essential part of postoperative care and recovery. “These garments can help accelerate the healing process of your body following liposuction or tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery,” he writes on his website, “In addition to accelerating recovery, it also reduces excessive skin following liposuction and helps achieve better contour to your abdomen following an abdominoplasty. Furthermore, it helps reduce postoperative pain, swelling, and bruising associated with these procedures.”
They enhance athletic performance.
You have likely seen some of your favourite athletes wearing compression garments during their games. They are particularly noticeable on basketball players given that their jerseys and shorts showcase their arms and legs. Compression stockings help to speed up recovery, alleviate discomfort and even enhance the use of the legs, arms, torsos and other areas. The stockings increase blood flow which reduces muscle oscillation during activity. Their support of muscle groups works to improve endurance, reduce soreness and minimize fatigue.
“Designed to apply pressure to the lower legs and enhance blood circulation, compression stockings are a relatively new technology in sport performance,” informs the Sport Information Resource Centre, “A study measuring agility and lower limb muscular endurance amongst female athletes after a soccer match found the compression tights reduced fatigue-related muscle damage. This suggests compressing stockings could provide a significant performance advantage.”
They reduce pregnancy-related swelling.
Mommies everywhere are well aware of the swelling that is brought on when they are expecting. Pregnancy regularly leads to swelling of the feet, legs, hands and face. This is because there is increased blood volume and pressure on blood vessels. Compression stockings are known to bring comfort and relief to pregnant women by reducing swelling, improving blood circulation and supporting the back and abdomen.
Jessica Booth of What To Expect encourages expectant mothers to find a pair of compression stockings during their second trimesters. “Edema, which is defined as mild swelling of the hands and feet, affects about three quarters of pregnant women,” she informs, “Because it’s so common, there are a number of ways to help reduce the swelling; compression socks being one of the most popular solutions.”
Our compression stockings promotion has been extended until August 15th!
The Advantage Home Health Solutions team is very happy to announce that we are extending our awesome promotion on compression stockings! Until August 15th at 4 p.m., any time you purchase a pair, you will receive a $50 coupon for your next pair!
Our wide selection of high performance compression wear comes in a large variety of styles, sizes and gradient compression levels. Both washing machine and dryer friendly, our Juzo line of compression stockings offers several post surgical sleeves, maternity hose and stockings. They are also available in a range of retro colours and styles.
Advantage Home Health Solutions’ certified compression fitting consultants will help you to find a pair of compression stockings that is perfect for you. Our team will also help to determine if you can claim your compression stockings on your health plan! For more information, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
