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Compression Therapy Treatments for Various Health Conditions

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Compression therapy is the donning of garments weaved to produce a level of compression to the legs to help those who require a professional medical solution for blood clots, edema, poor blood flow, and blood pooling in the legs. Many are more prone to these ailments, particularly when seated or in durations of lengthy inactivity, for instance, prolonged air travel.
First, before discussing compression therapy, we should distinguish between "Graduated Compression Stockings" and "Anti-Embolism" garments. These are two distinctive products!
Graduated, or "gradient" compression stockings have a level of compression that begins with the highest compression at the ankle joint, with slightly lower degrees of compression up the leg.
Anti-embolism garments, 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 contain consistent compression from the ankle to the calf. As a result, they can aid in circulation of blood and lymph fluids in the lower limbs to help avoid clots from forming. (Venous Thrombosis)
The following are some health and fitness purposes where compression therapy garments tend to be recommended by doctors:
Lipodermatosclerosis - A skin associated disease, possibly caused by venous disease, where the layer of body fat beneath the skin gets swollen. It can lead the way to ulceration if not dealt with, and is most common in middle-aged females.
Chronic Peripheral Venous Insufficiency (CVI) - CVI is a disease where weakened or dysfunctional blood valves are not able to push oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. It's typically in the legs, and common in women as well as men who have suffered leg injuries. Compression stockings, in several situations, have been used to encourage suitable blood flow.

Varicose Veins - Varicose veins are bothersome veins visible through the skin. They are triggered by valves in the vein not meeting up properly when the blood pumps, buckling to the stress and resulting in the blood to circulate down along with gravity. They can be painful and itchy, and scratching them can induce sores to form. There are many treatments available for varicose veins, both therapeutic and surgical. A doctor who specializes in vein care, known as a phlebologist, can supply the most effective solutions. Often, compression stockings are encouraged by a physician to alleviate pain, cease inflammation, and improve blood circulation.
Lymphedema - AKA "Lymphatic Obstruction", this condition is when the lymphatic system swells due to fluid retention. The liquid is commonly returned to the blood and recirculated to tissues, but with lymphedema, this fluid builds up, causing inflammed limbs, tiredness/fatigue, and if not treated, deformities. Lymphedema is often 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 blood clot condition which affects an estimated 350,000 Adults in America annually. It's a clot that forms deep in legs, familiar among many post-surgery patients, frequent air travelers, hormonal contraception,and being overweight. Compression stockings help prevent DVT and ultimately defend against its lethal counterpart, pulmonary embolism (PE).

Athletic Activity - During any form of running, swimming, boxing, biking, golf, or any athletic exercise, the legs and leg muscles are working hard. When the calves and thighs get sore, it is normal for lactic acids to build-up in the muscle fibers. Putting on lower compression 15-20mmHg fitness compression socks has been demonstrated to assist speeding up recovery times and reduce swollen, achy limbs.
Having Compression Stockings, Socks, and Pantyhose Prescribed
If you have a background or going through symptoms of the above conditions, you should consult a vein specialist and/or your doctor before self- prescribing any compression stockings. While most healthy people can use 15-20mmhg grade compression stockings, anything greater such as 30-40mmhg can do more harm than good in some individuals, such as artery obstruction or blood pooling in regions of the leg. Always seek advice from a health care professional before managing with high compression!
Simply, doctors will determine the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) - which must be >1.0 to wear compression stockings. A doctor or registered nurse can size the correct fit for your medical garments; precise sizing is important to ensure optimum medical benefit. If you require a greater level of compression, your medical doctor will know and advise a level of compression accordingly.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Kyle Jindel writes on home medical topics for patients and home health practitioners. For more information, resources, and tips for DVT and Embolism and compression stockings, visit Compression Therapy. To purchase Sigvaris or JUZO compression stockings, visit the online home medical supply retailer STLMedical.com.

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