|
Medical Compression Conditions Tired, Aching Legs
Standing and sitting for long periods of time can cause your
legs to ache and feel tired. Blood pools at the ankles and has a hard time
returning.
8-15 mmHg gradient compression stockings
give a gentle squeeze at the ankles and up the legs to get your blood flowing
back toward your heart. This helps relieve that tired achy feeling in your
legs.
Swelling
Build-up of fluid in the
body's tissues, often occurring in the lower leg and ankle, is called swelling
or edema. Painless swelling may be caused by some medications, injury, vein
problems, heart problems or other reasons. Prolonged swelling should not be
ignored, as it may be a sign of serious disease or chronic venous
insufficiency.
Symptoms of edema:
- Enlarged ankles and
calf (lower leg may appear puffy)
- Discomfort or tired
legs
- Decreased mobility
(leg may feel heavy)
- Decreased skin
elasticity
Mild swelling is often
managed with 15-20 mmHg compression. Moderate and severe swelling may require
higher compression. Please consult with your physician.
Remember to talk with
your doctor or health care provider before wearing compression 20 mmHg and
greater.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can be
mild to severe. They are caused from the backflow or pooling of blood in a
damaged vein. They may occur as the result of heredity or develop during
pregnancy.
Symptoms of varicose veins:
- Bulging veins
- Aching and
discomfort in the leg
- Leg heaviness and
fatigue
- Inflammation of a
superficial vein
20-30 mmHg is the most
commonly selected level of compression for varicose veins. The compression
level that is best for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Please
consult with your physician.
Remember to talk with
your doctor or health care provider before wearing compression 20 mmHg and
greater.
Venous Insufficiency
Damaged valves in the
veins can cause blood to pool in the leg and lead to swelling and discomfort.
This condition is called chronic venous insufficiency, and can lead to skin
damage and leg ulcers. Symptoms of CVI:
- Varicose veins
- Daily swelling of
the leg
- Skin color changes
around and above the ankle region
- Dermatitis
- Fragile skin -
opens easily with minor trauma
CVI can be effectively
managed by wearing gradient compression stockings daily. The 30-40 mmHg knee
length compression stocking is the most widely prescribed stocking for chronic
venous insufficiency.
Remember to talk with
your doctor or health care provider before wearing compression 20 mmHg and
greater.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
A deep vein thrombosis
(DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, partially or completely
blocking the flow of blood. A long-term side effect of DVT may be one or more
damaged venous valves that allow backward flow of venous blood. Improperly
functioning valves lead to venous congestion in the leg, increasing the risk
for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and new DVT.
30-40 mmHg knee length
compression stockings are prescribed to manage the acute symptoms of DVT and to
help prevent the long-term effects.
Remember to talk with
your doctor or health care provider before wearing compression 20 mmHg and
greater. Venous Ulcers
The chronic backup of
blood due to unhealthy (incompetent) valves allows blood to pool in the lower
leg, causing swelling. Chronic swelling interferes with the nutrition and
oxygen supply to the skin. The skin becomes dry, flaky and darker in color. The
skin is fragile and easily breaks with minor trauma, forming an open wound,
slow to heal.
Symptoms of venous ulcers:
- Swelling of the
ankle and lower leg
- Dermatitis
- Skin discoloration
around and above the ankles
- Open skin with
moderate to heavy drainage
Lymphedema
Edema of lymphatic or
venous origin can be mobilized by external pressure.
|
