Friday, August 6, 2010

Compression Therapy Treatments for Various Health Conditions

Compression therapy is the wearing of stockings woven to provide a level of compression to the  lower limbs to help those who need a  professional medical answer for blood clots, edema,  poor blood circulation, and blood pooling in the legs.  Some are more susceptible to these problems, especially when sitting or in  durations of lengthy inactivity, for example, prolonged air travel.

Prior to going over compression treatments, we should distinguish between "Graduated Compression Stockings" and "Anti-Embolism" stockings.  These are 2 different things!!!

Graduated, or "gradient" compression leggings have a level of compression that begins with the greatest compression at the ankle, with marginally reduced degrees of compression up the leg.

Anti-embolism stockings, also known as TED Stockings or TED Hose (Thrombo Embolic Deterrent) have an important difference from graduated compression stockings - the compression on a pair of TED Stockings possess equal compression from the ankle to the leg.  For this reason, they can help in flow of blood and lymph body fluids in the lower limbs to help  avoid clots from forming. (Venous Thrombosis)

The following are some health purposes where compression therapy garments are generally indicated by doctors:

Lipodermatosclerosis - A skin related condition, possibly induced by venous disease, where the covering of  body fat beneath the skin becomes inflamed.  It  can lead the way to ulceration if not cared  for, and is most common in middle-aged ladies.

Chronic Peripheral Venous Insufficiency (CVI) - CVI is a disease where  defective or dysfunctional blood valves are not able to pump oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.  It's  typically in the legs, and common in females as  well as males who have dealt with leg  injuries.  Compression stockings, in a number of cases, have been used to stimulate proper  blood circulation.
   
Varicose Veins - Varicose veins are undesirable veins  visible through the epidermis.  They are typically  triggered by valves in the vein not meeting up  accurately when the blood pumps, giving in to the pressure and causing the blood to flow down  with gravity.  They can be painful and itchy, and  scratching them could induce ulcers to form.  There  are many treatments available for varicose veins, both therapeutic and  surgical.  A medical doctor who specializes in vein care,  known as a phlebologist, can supply the best solutions.  Often, compression stockings are recommended by a  physician to reduce pain, cease swelling, and  improve blood flow.

Lymphedema - AKA "Lymphatic Obstruction", this condition is when the lymphatic system  swells due to fluid retention.  The liquid is normally  returned to the blood and recirculated to tissues, but with lymphedema, this fluid  builds up, causing inflamed limbs, tiredness/fatigue, and if not  taken care of, deformities.  Lymphedema is sometimes hereditary,  caused by a compromised lymph node system, or after a surgical procedure that compromises the lymph node system.

Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - DVT is a condition affecting an estimated 350,000 Adults in America annually.  It's a clot  that shapes deep in legs, familiar among many post-surgery patients,  frequent air travelers, hormonal contraception,and  obesity.  Compression stockings help prevent DVT and ultimately defend  against its lethal counterpart, pulmonary embolism (PE).

Athletic Activity - During any type of running, swimming, boxing, biking, golf, or any athletic exercise, the legs and leg muscles are working hard.  Any time the calves and thighs get sore, it is normal for lactic acids to build up in the  muscle fibers.  Donning lower compression 15-20mmHg fitness compression socks has been proven to help speeding up recovery periods and reduce swollen, achy  limbs.


Getting Compression Stockings, Socks, and Hosiery Recommended
If you have a history or suffering from indications of the above conditions, you should seek advice from a vein expert and/or your physician before self- prescribing any compression stockings.  While the majority of healthy men and women can wear 15-20mmhg grade compression stockings, anything higher such as 30-40mmhg can do far more harm than good in some individuals, such as artery obstruction or blood pooling in parts of the leg.  Always consult a  health care specialist prior to managing with high compression!

Basically, doctors will determine the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) - which should be >1.0 to wear compression stockings.  A physician or registered nurse can measure the correct fit for your medical stockings; precise sizing is essential to ensure optimum medical benefit.  If you will need a increased level of  compression, your medical doctor will understand and suggest a level of compression appropriately.Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

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