The Basics of Surgical Stockings

Normally, you won't hear about surgical stockings or stockings that help with medical conditions unless you have actually been prescribed such items by a doctor. For the most part, surgical stockings, such as compression stockings, have been used as additional treatment for patients. Such stockings will need to be worn for varying amounts of time depending on what the person's individual circumstances are.



What Are They Used For?



The uses for surgical stockings, as said earlier, truly depend on the individual's case. For the most part, however, they have been used for the application of pressure to the patient's legs in order to stimulate and increase the activity in the patient's veins. One of the most basic reasons for the use of surgical stockings, including compression socks and support hose, are to prevent deadly conditions such as deep vein thrombosis since they greatly stimulate the activity in the patient's veins. Alternative uses for surgical stockings are for patients who are in or have just finished surgery. Since these patients are unable to move for extended periods of times, the compression stockings assist with the circulation of the patient.



There are currently studies under way about the ability of anti-embolism compression stockings to prevent pulmonary embolisms which have the potential to strike after an individual has experienced a stroke. However, these kinds of compression stockings are only issued in hospitals. The compression stockings and hosiery which can be purchased outside of hospital provision as long as there is prescription are those called graduated compression stockings. These are the general items which are used by outpatients.



How Are They Used or Applied?



Unlike your typical pair of stockings which only come in three different sizes, compression stockings are very precise with the measurements in order to provide the maximum effect for the user. Thus, the length and circumference of the patient's legs are measured carefully in order to pick the proper size. Compression stockings are also generally difficult to put on. Since the purpose of the object requires it to be very tight, the application of the stockings demands a certain level of strength from the individual donning them. People who suffer from certain physical limitations, such as those in the hip or back, may also find it a bit trying to wear the compression stockings because of the movement needed.



In order to help with this problem, items such as stocking aids have been produced, freeing the patient and allowing them to use and wear the compression stockings in dependently and little to no hassle when putting the stockings on and off. With stocking aids, users no longer need to bend to put the stockings on. They can also build confidence as the patient will no longer need to rely on other people to wear the hosiery.



Compression stockings, including socks and compression hoses, are truly very important and useful for patients dealing with conditions pertaining to veins or are having issues with their mobility and flexibility. They are prescribed and highly recommended for patients who are at risk for deep vein thrombosis (also known as DVT) and those who have had hip replacement surgeries. If you have been prescribed surgical stockings or know of someone that needs surgical stockings, make sure that you are getting the right kind of surgical stockings as well as the proper size for the best results.



Author is a fifty-three year old woman living in a small town in Washington State with six children. Being a self-proclaimed hip therapy guru, she's had her fair share of experience with compression stockings, compression socks and support hose and could probably start her very own collection if she really wanted to.