In some circumstances, your doctor may recommend that you start wearing compression stockings when you already have specific symptoms or ailments. In other cases, you can recognize your own circumstances and talk to your doctor about how compression socks or stockings may be very helpful as a preventative measure.
1. Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience, but can also be very tough on your circulation system. As your baby grows, it puts more pressure on your lower body and your veins. Maternity compression stockings can certainly help alleviate some of this pressure and aid in preventing leg pain or cramps.
2. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen or enlarged veins close to the skin. Because blood is not flowing properly through these strained veins, they can appear bumpy or lumpy and a dark blue or a deep purple color. The graduated pressure of compression stockings for varicose veinscan help keep blood flowing back up to the heart, instead of pooling in the leg veins.
3. Prolonged Inactivity
If your job requires you to be sitting in the same position or standing for extended periods of time, and you end up with tired, achy legs at the end of the day, compression stockings can be very helpful in providing a little extra pep in your step. Varieties of compression stockings for women are even stylish enough they look just like regular socks or dress socks.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is a complicated diagnosis and requires very special care, but one common symptom of diabetes can be poor circulation in the legs, especially the feet. Compression socks for diabetics can help to promote healthy circulation and prevent the pooling of blood in the legs or feet, with specific foot styles to help diabetic users.
There are many conditions that can cause edema or swelling in the legs. Commonly, a lack of proper circulation will allow fluid build-up and thus visible swelling of the legs, which can be alleviated through the use of compression stockings or compression socks. As with all of the conditions mentioned in this article, you’ll want to consult your physician to rule out a more serious ailment and discuss compression garments.