Compression Garments

What are compression stockings?

Gradient compression hose are used to:

• Decrease pain
• Accelerate venous blood return (assisting healthy circulation)
• Reduce and prevent the recurrence of edema (swelling)
• Support the blood pump effect of muscles
• Assist in disposal of de-oxygenated blood and lymph fluid (help rid the body of waste)
• Arrest and prevent the progression of varicose veins and form an essential part of a larger treatment plan
• Prevent some relapses of symptoms such as phlebitis and swelling

What are anti-embolism stockings?

• Primarily used by hospitals for non-ambulatory (bed confined) patients who require only very light compression to stimulate blood flow because they are not upright and subject to the forces of gravity.
• These over-the-counter stockings, sometimes called "Teds" can help prevent blood coagulation.
• Teds stockings are fit by shoe size, height and weight and are usually relatively inexpensive
• Because anti-embolism hose are designed for the non-ambulatory patient, they do not offer a great deal of elasticity or wear resistance for the ambulatory patient.

How Compression Therapy Stockings Work

Compression stockings are designed to provide support to the legs and veins, assist with circulation, and minimize swelling. The compression is graduated, with the strongest support starting at the ankles and gradually decreasing towards the top of the garment. This gradual support works in conjunction with the pumping action of the calf muscles, which also assist with circulation.

A common myth is that compression stockings will cut off circulation. When fitted and worn properly, compression stockings help with your circulation, not reduce or restrict it.

Contraindications

Please advise us if you have or might have any of the following conditions, as they could make compression garments unsuitable for you:

• Uncontrolled congestive heart failure
• Untreated open venous ulcers
• Intermittent claudication
• Acute thrombophlebitis
• Weeping dermatosis
• Phlebothrombosis
• Arterial disease
• Acute dermatitis
• Unreduced edema

About compression garments

Why do I need a doctor's prescription for gradient compression hose?

Gradient Compression Stockings are primarily worn by people who are ambulatory. Compression garments are categorized by classes which are measured in mmHg -- meaning millimeters of mercury, the universal form of pressure measurement used for this type of garment. There are designated medical indications for each compression class. Your physician will prescribe a compression class most appropriate for you and your diagnosis. For assistance please contact us with any questions you have.

Combining a two-way non-latex stretch material, in a wide variety of colors, our patients are fit individually by a certified fitter who will measure you to determine the proper size for stockings that are fashionable as well as therapeutic. Off the shelf and custom styles available in a variety of materials and brands.

Some common indications for medical gradient compression stockings:

Venous insufficiency, edema, swelling, prophylactic treatment during pregnancy, mild varicosities without tendency toward edema, hereditary tendency toward varicose veins, post-thrombosis, sclero-therapy follow-up, severe varicosities during pregnancy, healed venous ulcer, after treatment of severe ulcerations, Lymphedema, venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic conditions, Elephantiasis.

How should I wear my compression stockings?

• Graduated compression stockings should only be worn during the day while you are upright and mobile, and should be taken off and washed at night.
• Hose should be put on as soon as you get up in the morning when swelling is at its lowest. Legs should be clean and dry.
• Stockings should be worn while out of bed (approximately 16 hours per day) and removed when retiring. It is important to wear your compression garments everyday. The items help manage an on-going problem. When you remove them the condition responsible for your symptoms is still there. Failure to wear your stockings properly may cause your condition to become more severe.

Please contact your physician or stocking supplier if you have any questions or problems.

If you need to wear your garments every day, you may want to consider purchasing a second pair so you will always have one pair to wear while the other is being washed.

Care

• Hand or machine wash with warm water and mild soap or detergent.
• No chlorine bleach.
• Warm water rinse. Make sure to rinse hose very thoroughly before drying.
• Placing your hose in a mesh laundry bag will help protect them during the wash cycle of your machine.
• Please contact your physician or stocking supplier if you have any questions or problems.

Tips

Does Medicare cover compression stockings?

Compression stockings are a NON-covered service under Medicare Part B. Medicare will NOT pay for these items even with a prescription from your doctor. For more information, contact the Medicare office for your region. This may also apply to your private insurance carrier(s).

Consult your primary care provider for if you have any questions or require specific instructions.

Products

The following are some of the more popular brands of compression garments we carry: