Health Education
Medical Compression Stocking
– conservative treatment and post-operative care
1. Medical Compression Stocking
Wearing medical compression stocking is a common prevention and a conservative treatment of varicose veins.
A good pair of medical compression stocking should apply gradual pressure on the calf muscles. The pressure is the greatest at the ankles and decreasing gradually from the ankle to the thigh, which can facilitate venous return in the lower limbs, relieving the symptoms and decrease the deterioration of varicose veins.
There are two main types of medical compression stockings, one for prevention and one for treatment. The former one is for those who want to prevent varicose veins, as the pressure can be selected according to one’s preference. The later one is prescribed by doctors for varicose vein patients, which a specific pressure is prescribed based on the degree of swelling of the lymph in the lower limbs.
Compression stocking has great softness and air permeability, and is pleasantly soft against the skin without the sense of tightness. The stockings have various compression levels for patients with different severity of varicose veins. Moreover, the stockings come with a natural skin colour, so patients can protect their veins and improve the contour of their legs while being fashionable at the same time.
There are different types of compression stockings to accommodate patients’ needs, such as pantyhose, thigh-high, calf-high. medical compression stockings can be tailor-made for patients with special needs, including those with obesity, underweight and severe swelling.
2. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between the compression stockings commonly seen in the market and the medical compression stockings?
medical compression stockings can apply gradual pressure on the calf muscles. The pressure is the greatest at the ankles and gradually decreases up to the thighs, which can facilitate venous return in the lower limbs, relieving the symptoms and preventing further deterioration of varicose veins.
Compression stockings in the market may not have a medicald compression effect. The pressure applied on the ankles and the thighs are about the same. However, as the thighs are generally larger in circumference, the pressure is greater than that at the ankles, so the stockings may act as an elastic tourniquet, obstructing the blood flow, increasing the load of the body, which cannot help improving varicose veins.
Also, you can have a pair of compression stockings tailor-made based on your individual needs, which is like prescribing suitable medications according to patients’ condition.
2. How long can the effect of a pair of medical compression stockings last? Will the effect wear away after wearing for a long period time?
medical compression stockings are highly durable, which can be used for a year. It is usually suggested to be worn for a year after varicose vein treatment for protection.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult your physicians before considering treatment or for detailed medical advice. (Information provided by Dr. Chad TSE Cheuk-Wa)