Compression

Compression therapy enhances circulation, reduces swelling, and alleviates discomfort, providing tailored solutions for optimal foot and leg health.

Your doctor has prescribed those 'socks'! Now what?

“Compression stockings” – just the name can conjure up thoughts of Baba’s socks! But wait… Compression Garments are not what they used to be! While you can still get the classic beige rubber garment there are SOOOO many more options now.

You can stick with your classic nylons, but if you are looking for support you can be comfortable in all day long, you can also find double cushioned sport socks, wool hiking socks, cotton dress socks and compression leg sleeves and more! Often people tell us they don’t want a ‘tight band on their leg’. We wouldn’t either. That’s why we make appointments at specific times to measure your legs.

A properly measured, anatomically shaped garment will reduce the ‘tight band’ effect and offer consistent mmHg compression for your system. But don’t just take our word for it…

Our friends at Sigvaris have been doing this compression stuff for a long, long time. In fact, they just celebrated their 150th year in 2014! We’re betting that a company with that long of a history making compression garments HAS to be doing something right! The following is taken from their web-site to better describe the concept and principles of compression therapy:

Concept

The concept of compression therapy lies on a simple and efficient mechanical principle: the application of an elastic garment around the leg.

By compressing the limb with graduated compression – strongest at the ankle and decreasing going up the leg – the compression stocking helps the venous return, decreases venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and deterioration of venous walls, and efficiently relieves aching and heavy legs by aiding the body in moving blood up the leg against the pull of gravity.

This treatment is prescribed by a physician to treat phlebitis, thrombosis and aftercare following surgery, sclerotherapy and any other forms of varicose vein treatment, and also to relieve all conditions of chronic venous disease (heavy legs, varicose veins, oedemas, leg ulcers). It can also be prescribed to prevent venous issues during pregnancy and long distance travel. If no contraindications like severe arterial insufficiency are present you may even buy compression stockings of lower pressure without prescription.

Depending on the pathology, medical compression therapy can be applied in different forms: socks, stockings, pantyhose or bandages.

Principles

The principle of this therapy is to exert controlled pressure on the limb. The pressure unit is the millimeter of mercury (mmHg) or the hecto Pascals (hPa). 1 mmHg = 1.33 hPa.
The application of a device on the limb exerts the pressure.
Stockings or bandages are called medical devices. They must meet strict requirements. The devices are called orthesis meaning that their action is to support or to reinforce a part of the human body, and not to be a substitute like a prothesis.
The action of the device is mechanical. It utilizes the hysteresis principle defined by the stretch-relaxation curve of an elastic body. Those devices’ transmission of the pressure to the vascular system is indirect.
The principle stands against the hyper pressure induced by a defective venous system References:
– Pollack A.A. et Wood E.H. Venous pressure in the saphenous vein at the ankle in man during exercise and changes in posture. J Appl Physiol. 1949,1: 649.
– Partsch H., Rabe E., Stemmer R. Compression. Chapter 5. In: Compression of the extremities. Editions Phlébologiques Françaises. 2000. Paris. Pages 57-134.
The pressure is stronger at ankle level. The compression device must exert a contra-pressure where the pressure level is the strongest: at the ankle.
The pressure is degressive. The direction of the bloodstream must be respected. Therefore the pressure must be degressive. The gradual pressure decrease is defined in the requirements of the devices and depends on the compression classes.
The pressure is determined by: The elastic recoil force of the hosiery, The form of the leg: The pressure exerted on the leg depends on the curvature of the local surface (Laplace Law). Thus, a given stocking exerts a higher pressure above the tibial edge and the Achilles tendon and a lower one at the lateral aspect of the leg. Behind the ankles, no pressure is exerted as the garment does not touch the skin.

Just look at some of these pictures… you can’t tell us that these are ‘Old’ socks! There are styles for everyone from the casual athlete to the business professional and everything in between. We carry both the Sigvaris and Venosan brand stockings. Call us to arrange an appointment!