HomeCompression Stockings 101

Compression Stockings 101

Gradient Compression Support Hose -- What are they?

This month we are answering one of our customers most frequently asked questions. If you have questions or comments, please go to our blog www.askvanda.com. Each and every question or comment will be addressed.

To begin, we will discuss diseases, which started your leg or arm problems. Venous diseases start by a feeling of heaviness, a tired feeling in your legs or a discoloration or swelling. Minor pain may be felt. This may be the result of insufficient blood flow back to the heart as blood pools or congests in the legs. When you see warning signs of venous diseases the first step is to see your doctor. But, before you do you may want to become an informed patient. We are supplying you with information and resource links on venous diseases and compression therapy. This newsletter and information provided in the links are not intended to be a substitute for your physician's medical advice and treatment. Your Doctor is the best source of information on venous diseases. Here is a special list on symptoms you may want to take with you when you see your Doctor:

Take this checklist with you to your doctor's appointment to help you communicate the symptoms you are experiencing. Check all that apply to you.

 Tired legs at night
 Heavy legs at night
 Shoe feels tight at night
 Swollen legs in the morning
 Swollen legs in the afternoon
 Swollen legs at night
 Swolling is gone in the morning
 Leg pain from prolonged sitting or standing
 Dull, aching pain in leg
 Tingling, numbness burning or cramping in the legs and feet
 Legs "fall asleep" often

 Spider veins
 Varicose veins
 More than one pregnancy (even though varicose veins, swelling and pain may disappear after giving birth, problems may occur later in life)
 Pregnant
 Discoloration of the skin
 Hardened skin on the lower leg
 Patches of dry skin on the lower leg
 Open sores on the lower leg
 Ulcers on the lower leg
 Family history of venous disease
 Diabetes

Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are veins that become visible, primarily in your legs, as enlarged or twisted superficial veins. As your legs move the leg muscles push on the veins which activate tiny valves in your legs to pump the blood back to the heart. The veins become enlarged when the valves fail to work and allow the blood to pool in the legs. Varicose veins are frequently painful, itchy and look unsightly. If left untreated they can lead to much more serious problems. Compression therapy assists in the management of varicose veins by applying a gradient compression to the leg and assisting the muscles in moving blood back to the heart.

Lymphedema: A swelling primarily in the legs and arms resulting from the lymphatic vessels being unable to transport the protein rich lymph fluid back into your circulatory system. You can be born with this problem or it can be the result of injury or surgery. When the lymphatic system is not functional, fluid can build up which results in swelling or thickening of the skin. There is no cure for lymphedema, but it can be managed. The lymphatic drainage system must be opened through MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) therapy. The compression stockings/arm sleeves/gloves can then be used to exert a constant pressure on the affected area to maintain the reduction achieved through MLD therapy. This in turn assists in the drainage of the lymphatic system to minimize the swelling.

Gradient compression: There are several levels of gradient compression support stockings. Gradient compression is measured in millimeters compression mercury. Please note that not all hose are a gradient compression. Gradient compression reduces swelling and helps prevent pooling of blood in the legs, by delivering the highest level of compression at the ankle and gently decreasing up the leg. Improving blood flow helps the wearer experience immediate relief from tired, aching legs. Generally support stockings come in 8-15mmHg, 16-20mmHg, 20-30mmHg, 30-40mmHg and 40-50mmHg.

8-15 mmHg Compression:
- Feel good therapy for tired, achy legs
- Minor ankle, leg and foot swelling
16-20 mmHg Compression:
- Minor varicosities
- Minor varicosities during pregnancy
- Tired, aching legs
- Minor ankle, leg and foot swelling
- Post Sclerotherapy
20-30 mmHg Compression:
- Moderate edema
- Post Sclerotherapy
- Help prevent recurrence of ulcerations
- Post surgical
- Moderate to severe varicosities
- Moderate to severe varicosities during pregnancy
30-40 mmHg Compression:
- Severe varicosities
- Severe edema
- Lymphatic edema
- Post surgical
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Post Sclerotherapy
- Management of active venous ulcerations
- Helps to prevent recurrence of venous ulcerations
- Helps to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome
- Manage manifestations of PTS (post-thrombotic syndrome)
- CVD/CVI (Cardio-vascular disease/insufficiency)

At Support Hose Store we carry the four leading manufacturers of gradient compression stockings, Jobst, Medi, Juzo and Sigvaris. All four of these manufacturers have true gradient compression in the stockings.

Compression hose are available in three basis styles, knee-high, thigh-high and waist-high (pantyhose). Your physician will generally advise you which style to purchase. Depending upon where the problem is occurring in your legs will determine which style is best for you. Your comfort and life style will also determine which hose to consider. The support stockings are available in many styles and thickness ranging from sheer to very heavy. Some of the socks are available especially for diabetic foot-wear (well padded, thick stocking). There are socks available as a dress socks, athletic socks, silver socks (anti-odor, antibacterial and antifungal to help heal wounds)and even garments with 100% cotton skin contact. Whether you are looking for knee-high, thigh-high or waist-high (pantyhose) we have the hose that is right for you.

When you are experiencing venous insufficiency, edema, or lymphedema it is always best to first consult with your Health Care Provider. If they recommend support stockings please consult with SuportHoseStore.com as we are compression garment specialists. We carry all four major manufacturers, Jobst, Mediven, Sigvaris and Juzo, so we know we can fit you in the most appropriate stockings for your medical needs. Our customer service representatives are Certified Fitters and are available to assist you or answer any questions you may have. Thank-you for shopping at SupportHoseStore.com

Please feel free to forward or copy our newsletter to friends, family members, patients, or fellow health care providers.

Sign up for our news letter, Leg Health News. Get articles to help your legs remain healthy by professionals and news about our new products and sales. Send your name and e-mail address to newsletter@supporthosestore.com

Need Help? Or Are you tired of trying to remember when you placed your last order and what size or color you ordered? Let us help you.
Call our toll-free number 1-800-515-4271 and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have or arrange Auto-Reorder for you!

Click here to check our report

Click here to see what our customers have to say!

Priority Shipping $6.99
FedEx or UPS 2-3 business days is $25.00
FedEx or UPS Business Day Overnight is 35.00
Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico may be an additional charge for Priority Shipping.
Next day and second day is not available for Alaska, Hawaii, US possessions or territories.
All Orders over $250.00 shipped to a residence will be require a signature- In some instances, we will require a signature on orders of $100.00 or more.
International Shipping

Support Hose Store, an authorized distributor of Jobst, Mediven, Juzo and Sigvaris support hosiery, is located in Amarillo, Texas. We sell Jobst, Medi and Sigvaris compression socks and support hosiery, at retail and wholesale prices. When you call to place an order for any of our support stockings, you will speak to a Support Hose Store Certified Fitter and not a receptionist taking an order. Support Hose Store carries Jobst, Medi and Sigvaris support stockings, compression hose, compression stockings, diabetic socks, maternity hose and travel socks all at great savings. Large full and extra large full calves are now available in the 20-30mmHg and 30-40 mmHg compression stockings. If you need more information on our Jobst, Mediven and Sigvaris support hosiery please call us toll-free at 1-800-515-4271 to speak to one of our Certified Fitters. We are vascular compression garment specialist.