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Compression stockings, also known as graduated compression stockings market or medical compression hosiery, are tight-fitting knitted or wound clothing that apply graduated, gentle compression to the legs and feet. They are designed to improve blood circulation in the veins and prevent potentially serious complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins.
History and Development
The use of compression garments can be traced back thousands of years. Hippocrates and Celsus, two ancient Greek physicians, recognized that applying external pressure to swollen legs provided relief from discomfort. However, modern compression hosiery was not developed until the 1960s. Advances in textile engineering allowed manufacturers to create finely-knitted fabrics that could apply graded compression from ankle to knee or thigh. These early compression stockings delivered uniform pressure from toe to top in a one-size-fits-all approach. In the 1990s, German company medi developed the first compression hosiery featuring different pressures in different parts of the leg for improved efficacy. This zoned compression approach is now considered the gold standard.
Types of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are available in differing pressures depending on the intended medical application:
– Mild compression (15-21 mmHg): Used for prevention of flight-related DVT and post-surgery.
– Moderate compression (21-33 mmHg): For relief of tired, achy legs and varicose veins. Can also be used to manage leg ulcers and lymphedema.
– Firm/Strong compression (34-46+ mmHg): Prescribed for severe varicose veins, leg swelling from chronic venous insufficiency or post-thrombotic syndrome. May require a specialized fitting by a medical professional.
How Do They Work?
Compression stockings work by pushing back on the legs, improving the flow of blood returning to the heart. Veins have one-way valves to ensure blood flows in the right direction, but the pooling of blood in the legs can cause the valves to fail over time. Compression from stockings supports the vein walls and valves, reducing backflow and leg swelling. It also prevents minor injuries to veins from becoming varicose veins or DVT. By enhancing blood flow and oxygenation, compression garments significantly relieve symptoms like leg heaviness, pain, achiness and cramps.
Medical Uses and Benefits
Some key medical applications and advantages of compression stockings include:
– Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention: Gentle compression can reduce stasis and risk of clots forming on long flights or periods of immobility.
– Varicose Vein Treatment: Compression improves blood flow and reduces pressure that causes veins to bulge. Over time, it can improve varicose vein appearance.
– Chronic Venous Insufficiency: For people with underlying vein valve dysfunction, compression keeps edema at bay and controls leg discomfort.
– Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: After a DVT, compression can relieve pain, swelling and leg heaviness caused by vein damage.
– Lymphedema Management: Compression drainage facilitates lymphatic return in arms or legs prone to fluid retention.
– Leg Ulcers: By reducing edema and enhancing wound healing, compressions stockings are useful for venous and diabetic leg ulcers.
Proper Fitting is Important
For optimal results, it is crucial to select the correct compression level and properly fitted size. An experienced fitter can assess leg measurements, perform a leg dexometry test to determine interface pressure levels, and advise on suitable styles. Ill-fitting stockings may roll downwards or break elasticity prematurely. Besides comfort, a tailored fit is necessary to deliver the intended health benefits. Refitting is also recommended after major weight changes.
Potential Downsides
While generally very well tolerated, some people may experience irritation, itching or skin issues from compression garments depending on materials. Those with severe peripheral artery disease or neuropathy should seek medical guidance before use. Very tight stockings can potentially cut off blood flow if worn for extended periods without breaks.
The Bottom Line
With growing awareness around venous diseases and lifestyle-related risks, compression stockings market are becoming increasingly widely used as both a therapeutic and preventive medical product. When fitted properly according to individual needs and used as directed, they provide a simple yet effective way to optimize leg health, relieve discomfort and prevent serious lower limb complications.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
