Compression Stockings
Overview
What Are Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings are specialized garments that put therapeutic pressure on your legs in order to increase circulation and prevent fluid retention (edema/swelling) during prolonged periods of sitting and standing or in those with venous diseases. Compared to traditional hosiery, compression stockings fit more snugly and use stronger elastic to apply a gentle squeeze to the legs and feet.
Benefits
What Are The Benefits Of Compression Therapy?
Compression stockings offer wide-ranging benefits, including disease prevention, pain relief, and enhanced athletic performance:
Prevention:
- Reduce the incidence of blood clots
- Reduce the incidence of varicose veins
- Prevent complications resulting from diabetes
- Prevent complications resulting from veinous disorders
Pain-Relief:
- Reduce swelling in feet and ankles
- Reduce aching and discomfort
- Decrease foot and leg fatigue
Performance:
- Increase endurance
- Decrease soreness and recovery time
- Reduce stress on muscles
- Prevent soft tissue damage such as shin splints
- Improve balance and proprioception
Who Can Benefit From Wearing Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings can benefit people of all ages and abilities. At every age, blood flow goes from head to toe: 100% of the blood in your body flows through your feet. Once there, contraction of the muscles in the lower limbs combats gravity to move blood back to the heart. However, when your legs are stationary for an extended period of time, namely during prolonged sitting or standing, contractions weaken and blood begins to pool in the veins of your feet and lower legs instead of recirculating throughout your body.
Whether you’re on a long flight, or your occupation feels like one – sitting at a desk or in a cubicle for hours on end – compression stockings can help combat fatigue, achiness, and swelling. The same goes for professions and pastimes that require long stretches standing on your feet. The long list of people who can benefit from wearing compression stockings includes:
Food Service:
- Waiters/waitresses
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Hosts/hostesses
- Floor manager
- Barista
- Bartender
- Bakers
- Dishwashers
- Concession attendants
Retail:
- Retail salespeople
- Stockists
- Grocer
- Cashier
- Florists
Education:
- Teachers
- Teaching assistants
- Professors / lecturers
- Administrative personnel
- Bus drivers
- Custodians
- Cafeteria staff
- Clergy
Medical:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Surgeons
- Dentists
- Dental hygienists
- Massage therapists
- Healthcare workers
Service Industry:
- Hairdresser
- Barber
- Makeup artists
- Aestheticians
Travel:
Wearing compression stockings is a recommended safety measure for most pilots and flight attendants.
- Flight attendants
- Pilots
- Air traffic controllers
- Security and immigration agents
- Bus drivers
- Train attendants
Civil Service:
- Parking enforcement
- Police
- City workers
- Surveyors
- Soldiers
Compression stockings and compression socks also benefit individuals with the following medical conditions:
- Individuals with or at risk of circulation problems
- Individuals with diabetes
- Individuals with orthostatic intolerance
- Individuals who are bed-ridden as the result of chronic illness or surgical recovery
- Pregnant women
Features
Are Compression Stockings Comfortable?
Absolutely! Compression wear comes in an assortment of styles and materials, including cotton, bamboo, and wool.
How Do I Know What Size Compression Stockings I Need?
Compression stockings must be the correct size in order to get optimal benefits. Feet First Clinic has certified fitters on staff who will determine your specific size based on measuring the circumference of your ankles, calves, thighs, and hips.
Compression stockings comes in different MmHg (millimeters of mercury) and ranges from 15-20 MmHg, 20-30 MmHg, 30-40 MmHg which will be determined by a medical doctor.
Drop-in compression wear fitting is offered during clinic hours Monday-Saturday and is a complimentary service. No is appointment required.
What Styles Of Compression Stockings Are Available?
Compression stockings and socks come in a variety of durable and breathable styles, materials, colours, patterns, and opacities, suited for wear in professional, casual, and recreational settings.
Styles:
- Pantyhose
- Maternity
- Thigh-high
- Knee-high socks
- Open-toe
Materials:
- Supima cotton
- Sea Island cotton
- Microfibre
- Merino wool
- Natural rubber
Opacities:
- Sheer
- Mid-sheer
- Opaque
Insurance Coverage
Are Compression Stockings Covered By Insurance?
Compression stockings and socks are covered under many supplemental insurance plans. If you’re unsure about your benefits and compression wear coverage, check with your employer’s HR department, your insurance policy provider, or Feet First Clinic can get a policy breakdown on your behalf.
Do I Need A Prescription For Compression Stockings?
If you want to use your private foot care benefits to get compression stockings, all insurance providers require a prescription from a medical doctor.
Book an appointment for compression stockings
You do not need a referral to become a patient at our foot clinic. Schedule an appointment by using the Appointment Request form below or contact the clinic at 416-769-FEET(3338).