DOI: 10.1002/ Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis. diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557 Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers. Effectiveness of thigh-length graduated compression stockings to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis after stroke (CLOTS trial 1): A multicentre, randomised controlled trial. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. To find your size for knee-high stockings, measure the circumference of the narrowest part of your ankle, the widest part of your calf, and your calf length starting from the floor to the bend of your knee.įor thigh-high or a full-length stockings, you’ll also need to measure the widest part of your thighs and your leg length starting from the floor to the bottom of your buttocks. Compression stocking sizes vary by brand, so you’ll need to take body measurements and then use a brand’s sizing chart to determine the right size for you. The right amount of tightness is also necessary for the prevention of DVT. Compression options include mild (8 to 15 mmHg), moderate (15 to 20 mmHg), firm (20 to 30 mmHg), and extra firm (30 to 40 mmHg). The recommended tightness for DVT is between 30 and 40 mmHg. Stockings with higher numbers have a higher level of compression. Millimeters of mercury is a measurement of pressure. Your doctor may recommend a knee-high if you have swelling below the knee, and a thigh-high or full-length if you have swelling above the knee.Įven though your doctor can write a prescription for compression stockings, you don’t need a prescription for stockings up to 20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Choose between knee-high, high-high, or full-length stockings. How to choose compression stockings for DVTĬompression stockings come in different levels of tightness, so it’s important to find stockings with the right amount of pressure. Replace your stockings every four to six months. Wash the stockings after each use with mild soap, and then air dry it. Wear the stockings continuously throughout the day, and don’t remove it until bedtime. To put on a compression stocking, grab the top of the stocking, roll it down toward the heel, put your foot inside the stocking, and then slowly pull the stocking up over your leg. Make sure the lotion fully absorbs into your skin before attempting to put on the stockings. Since compression stockings are elastic and tight, applying lotion to your skin before putting on the stockings can help the material glide up your leg. Keep in mind that you’ll have to remove the stockings before showering. Moving around can cause swelling, at which point it may become harder to put on the stockings. However, this is no longer the recommendation.Ĭompression stockings may also be worn as a preventative measure.įor best results, put on compression stockings first thing in the morning before you stand on your feet and begin moving. Previously, compression stockings were used after an acute DVT to help prevent a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) which can manifest as chronic swelling, pain, skin changes, and ulcers on the lower extremity. These stockings can be worn after a DVT diagnosis to alleviate some of the discomfort and swelling. You can purchase these from a pharmacy or a medical supply store. If you experience leg trauma or have surgery, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings for use during your hospital stay or at home. Blood clots in the legs can form after a long flight due to prolonged sitting in a confined space. Another study concluded that these stockings could also prevent DVT and pulmonary embolism in people on flights of at least four hours. Similarly, a study comparing 15 trials found that wearing compression stockings could reduce the risk of DVT by as much as 63 percent in surgical cases.Ĭompression stockings don’t just prevent blood clots in those who’ve had surgery or trauma. One study followed 1,681 people and consisted of 19 trials, including nine with participants undergoing general surgery and six with participants undergoing orthopedic surgery.Īmong those wearing compression stockings before and after surgery, only 9 percent developed DVT, compared with 21 percent of those who didn’t wear compression stockings. Studies examining the effectiveness of compression stockings have found a link between compression stockings and DVT prevention in hospitalized patients. Compression stockings are effective for preventing DVT.
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