Did you know that good circulation is an important contributor to your overall health? If you have issues with blood flow, it can lead to heart trouble, swelling, aches and pains in your legs and feet, and contribute to dangerous health conditions like deep vein thrombosis.
At Hamptons Vein & Vascular, Rashmi Sharma, MD, and our entire care team are dedicated to providing patient-centered care for patients in Rutherford and Westfield, New Jersey. We take the time to listen to your health concerns and focus on comprehensive vein care.
Our practice offers the latest technology and cutting-edge practices for treating a variety of venous conditions, including varicose veins and bulging veins. We also help patients take charge of their venous health by providing education and lifestyle recommendations.
For some patients, wearing compression hose is a simple lifestyle change that makes a big impact on their venous health. Read on to learn if you might be one of them.
What are compression hose and how do they work?
Compression socks or hose are tight-fitting legwear that provides consistent pressure that encourages blood flow up your legs, from your ankles to your heart. This can improve the overall health of your veins, preventing unsightly and potentially harmful conditions.
Dr. Sharma may prescribe compression socks or hose to help improve circulation in your legs, provide support to your veins, stop blood from pooling, and prevent venous ulcers. Other benefits of compression hose include reversing venous hypertension, reducing swelling, and lessening the discomfort caused by varicose veins.
Compression hose can also help if you’re someone who feels lightheaded or unsteady when standing, known as orthostatic hypotension.
Should I wear compression hose?
If you’re concerned about the health and appearance of your legs or want to improve blood flow during sports, compression socks or hose may be right for you. They’re also a good idea for people with increased circulatory risk factors, including:
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Varicose veins
- Diabetes
- Postoperative patients
- Sedentary patients
- Those with difficulty moving their legs
- Patients who spend long periods on airplanes
- People who stand for long stretches at work
- Pregnant women
While for most people compression hose are a benefit, not everyone should use them. Don’t use compression hose if you have neuropathy, loss of sensation in your legs, peripheral arterial disease, a skin infection on your feet or legs, dermatitis with broken or fragile skin, extreme edema, or pulmonary edema from congestive heart failure.
Which compression hose should I use?
There are many options when it comes to compression hose. They range in pressure from gentle to strong or graduated and come in different colors and lengths, from to your knees to the top of your thighs. There are also antiembolism stockings and support hose that aren’t medical in nature.
It’s best to discuss the type of compression hose that’s right for you with Dr. Sharma. At Hamptons Vein & Vascular, we work with you to ensure you get the right kind for your unique condition. In addition, if your hose are prescribed by a medical provider, your insurance may cover some or all of the cost.
Curious about compression hose and what they can do for you? Contact Hamptons Vein & Vascular to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you.