Everything you need to know about venous compression stockings, socks and tights
Medical compression devices, whether stockings, socks or tights, are used primarily to improve blood circulation, sports recovery1, relieve heavy legs1 and during pregnancy2.
They exert a decreasing pressure (stronger at the ankle, which decreases as it rises), thus promoting venous and lymphatic return to the heart1.
What is the difference between compression and compression?
Compression limits the increase in the volume of the leg by exerting mechanical resistance to swelling. It does not generate constant pressure, but simply slows down the expansion of the tissues.
Compression contains elastic threads and exerts constant pressure on the skin to facilitate venous return4.
Understanding the role of venous compression
Compression helps to:
Reduce vein dilation
Improve venous valve function
Improve venous return to the heart
Limit the feeling of heavy legs
Supporting post-operative recovery after certain vascular procedures
What are the different types of compression devices?
Compression Socks
The compression sock stops just below the knee. They are particularly well tolerated by the majority of patients, especially the elderly, and are very easy to put on on a daily basis.
Frequent indications:
Compression tights
The compression tights cover both legs up to the waist.
Advantages:
Tapering compression from the ankle to the top of the thighs, providing overall support
Possible variation for pregnant women that offers an abdominal gland, with a non-compressive belly.
The tights are particularly suitable for compression needs on the entire leg.
It is essential to consult a health professional, who will be able to determine the level of compression adapted to your situation and take precise measurements, in order to guide you towards a device that is perfectly adapted to your morphology and your needs.
How to put on your compression stockings properly
For your device to be effective, a rigorous measurement (ankle, calf, thigh) is essential.
They should be put on first thing in the morning, before the legs swell.
Threading method:
Turn the product over to the heel.
Put the foot on, position the heel well.
Gradually roll over the leg, avoiding wrinkles.
Massage the leg well to distribute the material evenly
Tip: you can use a sock puller to make it easier to apply and avoid damaging the fabric.
Risks and limitations
Skin irritation if the material or size is not suitable.
Discomfort with a poor fit
Reduced effectiveness if the product is worn or mispositioned.
Refer to the package leaflet for contraindications
Maintenance of compression devices
Wash after each use by hand or in the machine (40°, without fabric softener).
Dry flat and in the open air, away from a heat source.
Venoflex compression devices are designed for daily use over a period of 6 months (i.e. 90 washes).
Sources:
Xiong, Y., & Tao, X. (2018). Compression Garments for Medical Therapy and Sports. Polymers, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10060663.
Saliba-Júnior OA, Rollo HA, Saliba O, Sobreira ML. Positive perception and efficacy of compression stockings for prevention of lower limb edema in pregnant women. J Vasc Bras. 2022 Jan 31; 21:e20210101. DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.210101. PMID: 35399341; PMCID: PMC8958436.
Sugahara I, Doi M, Nakayama R, Sasaki K. Acute effect of wearing compression stockings on lower leg swelling and muscle stiffness in healthy young women. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2018 Jun 3. DOI: 10.1111/CPF.12527. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 29862634.
SFMV Fact Sheet n°1, Compression Questions & Answers
