The use of elastic compression stockings can reduce volumetric variations during standing hours. Hormones released during pregnancy and the expanding uterus (pressure on the inferior vena cava – the major vein returning blood up to the heart) can affect leg veins. Lipodermatosclerosis is the term used to refer to the inflammation of subcutaneous fat, a form of panniculitis. Inflammation occurs suddenly, causing the thrombus to adhere firmly to the vein wall and risking clogging a superficial vein. People with varicose veins are more often affected. Phlebitis is the term used when inflammation and clotting occurs in a vein, most often a leg vein, due to infection, inflammation, or trauma. Lymphedema occurs when a body part swells due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid, occurring when there is interference with the normal drainage of lymph fluid back into the blood, commonly swelling the arm, leg, neck or abdomen. However, another study performed in France involved 407 ICU patients and showed no difference in the effectiveness of the VTE prevention for patients who used compression stockings alone or in combination with intermittent pneumatic devices. Ĭombining graduated compression stockings with other mechanical and pharmacological measures can increase the effectiveness of VTE prophylaxis by 60%. They concluded that graduated compression stockings are effective in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in patients who have undergone general and orthopedic surgery. These trials included 1,681 patients after general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and medical patients. Twenty randomized controlled trials analyzed the effectiveness of graduated compression stockings alone or with other additional prophylaxis in prevention of deep vein thrombosis. The meta-analysis of general surgical patients revealed that graduated compression stockings decreased their risk of developing VTE by 68% compared to placebo. Graduated compression stockings can effectively prevent VTE in hospitalized patients by applying different pressure to the leg. For cases in which the bleeding risk is high and pharmacologic measures are contraindicated, the use of mechanical prophylaxis is recommended. Pharmacological ( warfarin, unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin) and mechanical measures (graded compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression devices, and venous foot pumps) are used to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in clinical practice. Compression stockings are beneficial in reducing symptomless deep vein thrombosis among airline passengers flying for 7 hours or more. Evidence does not suggest a benefit in post thrombotic syndrome rates following DVT. The formation of varicose veins is an externally visible sign of venous weakness.ĭeep vein thrombosis occurs when blood flow decreases (especially in the lower extremities), causing blood to pool in the legs and leading to blood clot (thrombus) formation. Once developed, they will not disappear on their own. Varicose veins are saccular and distended veins which can expand considerably and may cause painful venous inflammation. There are two types of compression stockings, gradient and anti-embolism. As a result, the arterial pressure is increased, which causes more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet. By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, they force circulating blood through narrower channels. Compression stockings are tightest at the ankles and gradually become less constrictive toward the knees and thighs. Unlike traditional dress or athletic stockings and socks, compression stockings use stronger elastics to create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. They also aid in the treatment of ulcers of the lower legs. Knee-high compression stockings are used not only to help increase circulation, but also to help prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower legs. Compression therapy helps decrease venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and impairments of venous walls, and relieves heavy and aching legs. This reduces the diameter of distended veins and increases venous blood flow velocity and valve effectiveness. Compression stockings are elastic compression garments worn around the leg, compressing the limb. Compression stockings ( Flight Socks, Support Bandage) are a specialized hosiery designed to help prevent the occurrence of, and guard against further progression of, venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis.
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