In our last blog, we listed a number of ailments that compression stockings help to alleviate. They include varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), compression stockings for edema and lymphedema. Compression stockings work to decrease swelling and pain in the legs and ankles by applying pressure to those areas. It’s also important to note that compression stockings help to reduce pain, fatigue and achiness caused by injury.
Although compression stockings might seem like simple pieces of clothing, they are actually medical-grade garments that improve blood flow and minimize swelling. Are you dealing with a sports injury that you recently endured? Do you happen to be recovering from surgery at the moment? Compression stockings are great at assisting with your injury recovery.
Ankle sprains.
Ankle sprains are pretty common injuries for people of all ages. They generally occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear. Athletes are no strangers to ankle sprains. Participating in various sports and other physical activities can often lead to trips, falls and even simple missteps. Compression stockings help to manage the swelling associated with ankle sprains. This is because they promote better blood flow and reduce fluid buildup.
If you have sprained your ankle, wearing a compression stocking will enhance your blood circulation which accelerates the healing process. In addition, it provides support to your injured ankle, helping to both lessen pain and prevent further injury.
“If an ankle sprain does not heal correctly, the joint may become unstable, resulting in a weakened and easily reinjured ankle,” warns MyHealth.Alberta.ca, “Proper initial care of your sprained ankle is critical. A compression wrap helps decrease swelling. If swelling is kept to a minimum, it may help your ankle feel better. Applying a compression wrap is easy and can be done at home.”
Compression Stockings After Surgery.
Have you recently had surgery on a part of your legs or lower body? To reiterate an important point, proper blood flow is vital in the prevention of post-surgery complications. By wearing compression stockings after surgery, you reduce the risk of getting blood clots. This is when the blood coagulates, clumps up and plugs injured blood vessels.
A blood clot can divert the flow of blood to other veins, causing an increase in pressure leading to pain and swelling. Blood clots are dangerous because if they break loose and move to other parts of your body like your lungs, your life can be in danger.
“The principle behind compression therapy is to apply graduated compression, meaning the pressure is highest at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the knee or thigh,” affirms Toronto’s Care-Med LTD, “This design mimics the body’s natural muscle contractions, helping to push blood back towards the heart and preventing it from pooling in the veins, which can lead to clot formation.”
Leg ulcers.
Some lower body injuries occur not because of physical activity, but because of physical ailments. Diabetics, for example, can be prone to leg ulcers. This is because high blood sugar levels contribute to peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is a condition that occurs when cholesterol builds up in an artery in the lower leg. The resulting plaque blocks blood flow to the area causing tissues to die and ulcers to develop.
With the use of compression stockings, a person with leg ulcers can improve their blood flow and reduce their swelling. This, of course, promotes healing via decreased fluid in the tissues. As SIGVARIS GROUP affirms, medical compression plays an important role in the primary treatment of venous leg ulcers.
“Compression helps to improve vein circulation in your legs and to treat swelling,” reads their website, “It plays an important role in the healing of your wound and in post-wound care. Traditionally, short-stretch compression bandages are used in the initial phase of treatment of large ulcers until healing is nearly complete or the patient can be fitted in a knee-length graduated compression stocking at 30-40 mmHg or higher.”
Shin Compression Sleeve for Shin Splints.
Shin splints refer to significant pain or tenderness along the shin bone. Also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, this condition often develops after strenuous exercise, sports or repetitive activity. Shin splints cause pain on the front or outside of the shins but also on the inside of the lower legs above the ankles.
Compression stockings or shin compression sleeves provide relief from shin splints by stabilizing the muscles and reducing inflammation. By increasing blood flow, the stockings promote quicker muscle recovery and reduced soreness. Athletes are often encouraged to wear compression stockings during and after physical activity to help prevent shin splints from occurring.
“Compression garments can be an effective treatment for pain and inflammation related to shin splints,” agrees Michigan’s Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, “In fact, a study showed that compression socks help runners minimize muscle soreness and inflammation, as well as improve performance. In short, compression socks can provide extra support and protect your shins from further injury.”
Get $50 off your next pair of compression stockings!
The Advantage Home Health Solutions team is happy to announce a brand new promotion for our compression stockings! Until August 4th, any time you purchase a pair of compression stockings, you will receive a $50 coupon for your next pair! We carry a wide selection of high performance compression wear that is both washer and dryer friendly. They come in a wide range of styles, sizes and gradient compression levels.
Our Juzo line of compression stockings, for example, has numerous options for post surgical sleeves, maternity hose and stockings. Not to mention, they offer great compression socks for athletes. There’s also a large selection of both retro colours and styles of compression socks. We even offer fun new trendy fashion colour choices!
The certified compression fitting consultants, at Advantage Home Health Solutions, 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!
