Who wears compression garments and the reasons why may surprise you
Anyone can wear compression garments, but some people have specific health reasons for wearing them.
The number of people who derive physical benefits from wearing these types of health aids may surprise you. The list of who wears compression garments included athletes, the young and old, people recovering from surgery, and those with long-term health issues.
Women and men who have varicose veins, for example, benefit tremendously from wearing this type of stocking because they offset the pooling of blood in the feet and lower leg. The stocking forces additional blood into the deep veins and this diminishes the pain and swelling caused by varicose veins.
If a person has spider veins and does not want them to turn into painful and unattractive varicose veins, wearing this item prevents worsening of the veins.
Those who stand on their feet for long periods of time also benefit from pressure stockings because they lessen leg and foot fatigue.
Compression stockings (socks) are designed so they are graduated, which means the stocking compresses surface veins in the legs at a precise pressure, starting with the utmost pressure applied to the ankles and then less pressure is applied as the stocking moves up the legs.
Perfectly healthy people wear them because they make them feel better. Legs and feet can become tired and hurt. Firm stockings increase blood flow and improve circulation. When blood flow and circulation are optimal, the person has more energy and feels better.
Those who are extra sensitive to cold benefit from wearing this item. The article of clothing applies pressure on veins which makes blood flow more efficiently, which keeps the person warmer.
Pregnant women may experience a decrease in blood circulation because of the extra weight they are carrying. When this happens, the cells in the body don’t get the nutrients and oxygen they require. This can lead to permanent vein damage, blood clots and leg ulcers. Wearing stockings that apply pressure to the legs halts the progression of these potential problems or prevents them altogether.
Those afflicted with lymphedema benefit from wearing compression gloves, gauntlets, sleeves or stockings. Lymphedema occurs when too much fluid collects in body tissues, resulting in swelling. This often takes place in the legs and arms and can be the outcome of surgically removed lymph nodes or damage done via radiotherapy. Some women experience swelling in one or both arms following a mastectomy.
Stretch bandages apply pressure and stimulate lymph vessels, which lessens the amount of interstitial fluid and reduces swelling.
Diabetics must safeguard their feet. Wearing compression knee socks is ideal because they provide protection to the feet and leg and improve blood flow while simultaneously lessening leg and foot swelling.
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Overweight people profit from wearing this type of article because it reduces swelling as well as provides support.
When undergoing an operation, as well as post-operatively, patients wear this type of stocking to prevent blood clots from forming. Those confined to bed or to a wheelchair should also wear this type of item for the same reason.
When flying in an airplane, the risk of developing clots is great, particularly if you are seated in the same position for a long period of time. This can lead to the formation of blood clots in the legs. Wearing stockings that apply pressure on the veins prevents this from happening.
Are you a runner? You will benefit from wearing compression clothing because it stimulates blood flow, provides comfort and support and enables the legs to convalesce rapidly after running.
Older people should wear this type of clothing because an elderly person’s veins don’t work as effectively as they did when younger. The pressure the stockings puts on veins prompts the blood in the surface veins to go into the deeply situated veins in the legs and then flow back to the heart.