What are compression stockings?
Compression stockings (also called compression hosiery) are designed to help promote circulation by improving blood flow and inhibiting coagulation in the legs. They are often prescribed to prevent, treat or slow the progression of certain conditions that affect circulation and the veins in the legs. Blood flows away from the heart through the arteries, and returns to the heart through the veins. On the return trip from the lower extremities, blood is working against gravity, and there are a variety of conditions that can affect the body’s ability to properly transport blood back up the legs and to the heart.
Compression stockings are specialized long socks, which are worn from the foot to the knee/thigh. These specialized stockings have a gradient of pressure (tighter in the foot and gradually less tight at the knee). These stockings when worn properly reduce the swelling in the feet and also decrease the chance of blood clot formation in the legs.
