What is compression therapy?
Compression therapy is the application of external pressure to the limb to reduce venous pressure within the limb. This means wearing socks or stockings that are specially designed to support your veins and increase circulation. To be most effective, the socks or stockings should be put on at the start of your day and removed before you go to bed. Remember that the heart attempts to pump blood against gravity up the veins of the legs. As a person walks, the regular contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles surrounding the veins are necessary to help move blood towards the heart. Some people have an inherited weakness of the vein walls or valves which create additional challenges to venous circulation. Compression stockings will help to remedy this situation.
What conditions will compression therapy benefit?
- Tired or aching legs
- Swollen ankles
- Varicose veins
- Calf cramping
