Compression stockings are relatively tight-fitting elastic stockings that help compress both varicose and spider veins. This improves the blood flow in the legs and can decrease or eliminate the pain associated with varicose veins.
Why is Compression Stocking Important?
For both symptomatic relief of pain from varicose and spider veins, and to assist in the healing process after treatment, compression stockings are an important item for every patient to have. In addition, many insurance companies require a trial use of compression stocking to treat symptomatic varicose veins prior to approving treatment. In our practice, we highly recommend that compression stockings be worn for a brief period after treatment, as we feel this leads to the best long-term results.
How much Compression?
Compression stockings come in different strengths of compression (i.e., how tight they are). Most vein practitioners will prescribe 20-30 or 30-40 mm Hg compression. Your practitioner should prescribe the degree of compression that is best for you.
Size
Patients vary widely in their body shapes and size. It is extremely important that you obtain the right size and style of stockings, for both comfort and adequate compression. If the stockings are too tight, they will be very uncomfortable and may cut off circulation, making it prohibitive to wear the stockings long term. If they are too loose, they may fall down or fail to deliver adequate compression. To obtain the appropriate size, patients must be measured for their stockings. We recommend that when buying their first pair of compression stocking, patients purchase them at a place where accurate measurements are obtained. Our staff at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center is well trained and would be happy to measure you for the appropriate size of stockings.
Style
There are many styles of compression stocking, including knee-high, thigh-high, thigh-high with a hip attachment, and pantyhose. In addition, stockings come in both open- and closed-toe varieties. It is important to know which style is best for you – the experts at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center can help to guide you to the appropriate style for your personal needs and best results.
Which Brand?
There are quite a few companies that make compression stockings. Some of the more widely known brands are Jobst, Juzo, Medi and Sigvaris. It is generally not too important which manufacturer of stockings you purchase – as long as the appropriate compression, size and style are chosen to achieve the best results. At Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center we carry a variety of sizes and styles of stockings, from different manufacturers, so that we can accommodate each patient’s particular needs.
ACCESSORIES
Doff N’ Donner
Most patients will say that the hardest part about wearing compression stockings is putting them on. While certain tricks do help in putting on compression stocking, such as the use of rubber gloves to grip the stockings, or silicone gel to help the stockings slide on easier, there are also devices available that make putting on the stockings much easier.
One item which we have found to be exceptionally helpful in putting on the stockings is a device from Sigvaris called the Doff N’ Donner. Ask our staff at Beach Cities Vein and Laser about the Doff N’ Donner. They will be happy to teach you how to put on your stockings with this simple yet amazing device.
Learn more about Compression Stockings at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center – our experts are there to serve you to help you get the right size, fit and style to fulfill your needs. Contact Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center or call us at (310) 986-6500 to make an appointment today.