Support Stockings
Medically designed graduated compression support stockings are gaining wider acceptance and use by the wider community. These are now widely available at pharmacies and some major retail stores.
The stockings available at Specialist Vein Care are from Venosan, a world leader in medical grade stocking design. These stocking are manufactured to provide the greatest support at the ankle, and gradually reducing as they pass up the leg to the top of the thigh. They work by helping blood flow back up the leg.
Compression stockings are routinely used post sclerotherapy for the best results. They help in the closure of the treated veins, help decrease bruising, pigmentation, trapped blood and post treatment discomfort.
Support stockings are used to help alleviate the symptoms of venous disease, on long haul flights and during pregnancy. Many people now choose to wear these stockings in their day-to-day lives, including:
- Airline stewards/stewardesses
- Those on long haul flights to prevent deep vein thrombosis(“blood clots” in the legs)
- Workplace, where a person is required to stand for extended periods of time
- Pregnancy Support stockings cannot cure venous disease but they can help in preventing them getting worse.
Stocking care and correct fitting:
- They can be machine washed. They cannot be tumble dried, dry cleaned or ironed
- Wear rubber gloves (any type) when putting them on as this prevents tearing by fingernails and jewellery
- Stocking should be put on so that there are no wrinkles and are evenly distributed over the leg
- Do not let them fold over at the top if possible, as this can constrict leg circulation
- Do not cut or modify the stocking
- They should be fitted correctly to ensure a correct support
- If one is wearing them long term, then a person’s legs should be measured every 6 months (unless obvious changes), and the stockings replaced every 6 months, as they lose their elasticity.
Class 1.
These are used for the following:
- Treatment of spider veins
- Travelling
- Tired aching legs/ long standing or sitting
- Sport and work
- Mild oedema or slight varicose veins
- To prevent veins during pregnancy
Class 2.
These are used for the following:
- After sclerotherapy and vein surgery
- Varicose veins with swelling
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Leg ulcers
- Varicose veins during pregnancy
At Specialist Vein Care, correct fitting and advice re suitable stockings can be obtained.
Most Private Health Fund Extras members can receive a rebate on these stockings
