Benefits Of Graduated Support
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy requires the patient to wear compression socks or stockings that are specifically designed to support veins and increase circulation in the legs. These compression garments are only worn during the day (applied first thing in the morning) and work to reduce leg swelling and prevent blood from pooling in the leg veins.
It's important to note that blood must fight gravity as it travels up the veins of the legs and back to the heart. Compression garments assist the return of blood to the heart and improve your overall circulation by applying graduated pressure to certain areas of the leg. Graduated compression means that the strongest support of the garment is at the ankles, and gradually decreased towards the top (closest to the knee).
Why Graduated Support?
As a person walks, the regular contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles around the veins help the heart move blood up the legs efficiently. However, it’s unlikely that a person will walk continuously throughout the day, most of us sit or stand some of the time, and natural blood flow and circulation is affected. Some people may have inherited a genetic predisposition for weakness in the vein walls or valves, which create additional challenges to overall venous circulation. Wearing compression garments is vital for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins and other circulatory problems, especially for those who are at risk.
Benefits of Compression Garments:
- Provide support for the legs and veins
- Assist and improve circulation
- Minimize swelling and discomfort
Additional Leg Health Information
Vein health and vein disorders | Ways to promote leg health | Compression level guide