Compression Stockings

Venous Disease

 

In industrialized countries, more than 30% of women and about 10% of men consult for venous signs and symptoms of the legs.

Feelings of heaviness, tiredness and swelling may be present without visible venous disease. Spider veins and varicose veins represent clinical entities requiring special attention. Important factors such as heredity, excess weight, some professions requiring prolonged periods of standing or sitting may increase the risk of developing a chronic venous disease of the legs.

These conditions can evolve and produce complications such as skin pigmentation, chronic oedema, dermititis, eczema, phlebitis and ultimately leg ulcerations.

Deep venous thrombosis may be a consequence as well but it usually occurs without pre-existing venous disease.

A general knowledge about chronic venous disease, information on possible treatments, and the respect of some health guidelines are the first steps towards living with healthy legs in the 21st century.

What is Compression Therapy?

 

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

By compressing the limb with graduated compression - strong at the ankle and decreasing going up the leg, the compression stocking helps the venous return, decreases venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and impair of venous walls, and efficiently relieves aching and heavy legs.

Indications and Contra-Indications

 

This treatment is prescribed by a physician to treat phlebitis, thrombosis, vein surgery aftercare, and to relieve all manifestations of chronic venous disease (heavy legs, varicose veins, oedemas, leg ulcers..). It can also be prescribed to prevent venous troubles during pregnancy and long distance travel.

Contraindications are limited : advanced peripheral obstructive arterial disease, congestive heart failure, septic phlebitis, oozing dermatitis, advanced peripheral neuropathy. Very few cases of allergy have been reported to one of the components.

There are no secondary effects with compression therapy treatment when manufacturer's sizing chart is strictly followed.

Compression Classes

 

Compression stockings are available in different degrees of compression depending on the severity of the pathology to be treated. The pressure exerted by a compression stocking at ankle level is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Compression classes are defined according to different official norms (AFNOR in France, GZG in Germany ).

The physician prescribes the compression class corresponding to the pathology of the patient. Light compression is class 1 or 2, strong compression is class 3 or 4 depending on the norm used.

Treatment Dispensation

 

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

Our Compression Stockings include: