No longer the “fire hose” that grandma used to wear.
If you wouldn’t consider wearing compression stockings because you picture the canvas-like “fire-hose” of yesteryear,it’s time to take a closer look.Today’s compression hosiery is far more appealing, and provides a new level of comfort for the wearer.
Why wear compression hosiery?
If you experience tired, aching, heavy legs, and/or cramps and ankle swelling, compression stockings (or socks for men) can improve your quality of life and help reduce discomfort.
Whether you’re a hairstylist in your 20s, a middle-aged entrepreneur spending long hours in front of a computer, or a senior taking a cross-country vacation, you may have experienced these uncomfortable symptoms.
Roughly 50 percent of Canadian women and 40 percent of Canadian men are affected by a venous disorder—the term given to abnormalities or disease of the leg veins. Symptoms of venous disorder may include itching, heaviness in the legs, mild to severe discomfort, cramps and leg swelling, and restlessness or discomfort at night.
Causes and symptoms
Although disorders of the leg veins tend to increase with age, both lifestyle and genetics play a role in their development. Heredity plays a major role. If one or both of your parents have a venous disorder, the likelihood of your developing the disorder is greatly increased. Lifestyle factors, such as sitting or standing for prolonged periods and lack of exercise contribute significantly, as does being obese and having diabetes. Hormonal influences associated with birth control or pregnancy also contribute to the development of venous problems.
Early warning signs of venous disorders include tired, heavy or swollen legs, tingling or itching, cramps, and swollen ankles. Ruptured spider veins may appear immediately below the skin of the calf or thigh.
How compression hosiery helps
Compression stockings are elasticized hosiery that improve circulation by putting pressure on the veins. This improves the flow of blood back to the heart, reducing swelling, tiredness and aching.
Graduated compression stockings have the most compression in the ankle area, with a compression profile that decreases as it goes up the leg. If you’re experiencing mild venous issues such as tired and aching legs, an over-the-counter compression stocking will help provide effective relief. In more advanced venous conditions such as visibly swollen (varicose) veins, or leg swelling and pain, it is best to see your doctor. He or she can provide you with a prescription for the specific compression profile stocking that best suits your needs. (You may also want to check your medical insurance plan to see if it covers prescription hosiery.)
Designed for style and comfort
The last 10 years have seen many advances in both the style and comfort of compression hosiery and socks. Stockings are now available in a wide variety of fashionable colours, in both sheer and opaque options. Both stockings for women and socks for men are available in moisture wicking yarns to improve breathability and provide a cooler, more comfortable garment throughout the seasons. The newer styles are also easier to put on and remove thanks to the addition of high quality materials such as Lycra®.
Choosing compression hose
Many London Drugs stores carry compression stockings for women and socks for men. These are located on the upper shelves of the footcare aisle. Please ask the pharmacist to help you select the appropriate compression stocking, or sock, for your specific needs.