The Importance of Properly Fitting Support Stockings
Compression stockings are a type of sock you wear to help prevent blood from pooling in your legs. When fitted properly, graduated compression stockings use pressure to enhance blood flow velocity and reduce the tendency of blood to coagulate. However, proper sizing and compression selection by a vein doctor is a universal must for the stockings to be effective.
Properly fit compression stockings:
- help improve blood flow,
- keep blood from pooling in the legs,
- may help prevent blood clots from forming in deep leg veins,
- help relieve symptoms and prevent problems caused by things like varicose veins, skin ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis;
- and will help the most if you wear them every day while you’re awake.
Since compression levels range from 10 to 30 mm Hg and above; sizing needs to be individually based. Some patients may only need light pressure (e.g. support pantyhose) to prevent or reduce mild swelling after a laser vein treatment. Other patients need prescription-strength compression stockings, who suffer from significant swelling or venous leg ulcers. In each case, a vein doctor needs to properly diagnosis and accurately measure patients when fitting compression hosiery.
When being fitted for compression stockings by your certified sock fitter, use this patient observation checklist to ensure proper fit. Did your doctor:
- Measure and fit the stockings according to the manufacturer’s recommendation
- Document leg measurements and stocking size at baseline
- Check the stockings to ensure correct usage and adequate circulation
- Review measurements regularly to check for swelling and excessive pressure from the stockings
- Remind you (patient) to remove the stockings and performing a skin assessment before 24 hours has passed
Many vein doctors find their patients get off track when patients take matters into their own hands and purchase their stockings without being properly fitted by a certified stocking fitter. Allow our staff to teach you how to properly apply, manage, and remove compression stockings without risking serious complications.
If you have leg pain and are looking for varicose vein removal options, varicose vein surgery, or are concerned about deep vein thrombosis, contact Lakeshore Veins Center today. Our vein doctor has more than 20 years of experience and knows how to create a treatment plan to treat your leg pain or deep vein thrombosis. Our warm, comforting atmosphere offers compassionate and quality patient care in an outpatient setting if you need varicose vein surgery. Visit our varicose vein clinic and relief may be a simple procedure away. Call (262) 241-3999 or Contact Us Online to set up a consultation for your leg pain today.
