May 25, 2023
Compression stockings are very popular amongst people with varicose veins. As the veins become painful and your legs feel heavy and tired, wearing them every day is often one of the only ways people feel comfort and relief (don't worry, most types are stylish or discrete). Finding the best compression stockings for varicose veins involves visiting a doctor and then attending a fitting at a foot clinic where you will discover:
The type of compression stocking you need
The right level of compression
Your size
According to the National Library of Medicine, doctors and chiropodists recommend compression stockings not only because they help patients manage pain, but they're also easier to use than bandages and pneumatic devices. Let's discuss everything you need to know about varicose veins and compression stockings.
Types of Compression Stockings for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins often develop in the calf area towards the back of the leg. This is because walking and standing tend to put more pressure on the leg veins closer to the feet.
As a result, knee-high compression socks are often the best type of compression stockings to invest in for varicose vein treatment. However, any vein in the leg can become varicose, so you may need thigh-high or pantyhose compression hosiery.
Compression Levels for Varicose Veins
Compression stockings have different compression levels, and stockings with more compression are tighter. You can often buy stockings in the 8-15 or 15-20 mmHg range at drug stores, but someone with varicose veins will need more compression from medical-grade stockings.
To adequately support blood flow and circulation and provide comfort and support, Sigvaris recommends a compression level of 20-30 mmHg for varicose vein treatment. However, if your varicose veins are severe, you should look into graduated compression in the 30-40 mmHg range. Lastly, compression levels should always be the highest in the area with the varicose veins.
While this should give you a general idea, your family doctor will know the right level of compression you need. Once you've gone to your family doctor and received your compression stockings prescription, you can then bring the prescription to your local foot clinic to get measured and fitted. Note: only a medical doctor can issue a prescription for compression stockings with the appropriate level of compression.
Compression Stocking Sizes
During your compression stocking fitting, a certified fitter at your foot clinic will determine what size you need and order the stockings after selecting from a size chart. Sizes for medical grade compression stockings (20-30 mmHg and above) are quite specific and require measuring; compression stockings will not work if they don't fit well.
To ensure they order the right size, your fitter will measure your calf circumference, calf length, and ankle circumference. They may also need to measure your hip circumference, leg length, and thigh circumference. Your fitter will also go over the various style and material options and help you select the option that works best for your activities.
May 11, 2023
It's easy to forget that leg health is just as important as foot health. In fact, one of the most effective medical devices to target both foot and leg conditions is compression stockings. By gently squeezing your lower extremities, they help you manage aches and swelling and boost blood circulation. Many people can benefit from these special socks for relief for foot and leg problems, but worry about how they look or don't know how to wear them. Today's blog will discuss the different types of compression stocks and advise on how to wear them so you make the most of this amazing product!
Different Types of Compression Stockings
Compression gear looks just like standard versions of hosiery and stockings and blends in well with your outfits. Here are some of the most common types:
Pantyhose
Maternity stockings
Knee-high stockings
Thigh-high stockings
Open-toe stockings
How to Wear Compression Stockings
While appearing fashionable may be on your mind, Mayo Clinic notes that the most important thing is to wear compression stockings as your health care provider prescribes. This may mean wearing them all day or only in the morning or before bed (do not wear compression stockings when sleeping). Whether you have varicose veins, are pregnant, have edema (swelling), venous insufficiency, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the symptoms you struggle with can easily flare up if you neglect to wear them as intended. Improper use can also cause blood clotting or skin irritation.
Putting your compression stockings on and removing them is often the most challenging part of using them. You have to be gentle and take your time when putting them on. Otherwise, it can affect the elasticity and compression levels. Depending on the type, it's also important to roll the stocking down to the heel, leaving the toe area open before you put them on. In addition, you need to smooth out wrinkles and ensure the stocking fully covers the part of the leg or foot that needs the most compression. Sigvaris, the brand we provide at Feet First Clinic, offers a detailed guide on how to put on your compression stockings and take them off.
Types of Compression Stockings
In addition to the above-noted conditions, compression stockings are recommended for people who stand at work for long periods or who travel on planes often. Your preferences, lifestyle, and specific condition can help your foot clinic choose the right type. Please also note that compression levels range from mild to firm, which are measured in mmHg; the higher the level of mmHg, the greater the benefit. The over-the-counter compression levels (like the ones you'd find at a drug store) range from 8-15 mmHg to 15-20 mmHg. Medical grade levels of compression start at 20-30 mmHg (the most common level of compression) and can go up to 40-50 mmHg. Your health care provider can help determine the level you need.
Pantyhose
Pantyhose compression hosiery is a good choice for women who work long hours, travel frequently, or have varicose veins or other circulatory issues above the knee. They start at the feet and go up to the waist, like standard pantyhose. They apply graduated pressure (like a gentle squeeze) along the leg, becoming less tight as they extend upwards. This stimulates blood flow back to the heart, thereby reducing pain and swelling. Compression pantyhose is available in various shades in sheer or opaque fabric, making them suitable as professional attire.
Maternity Stockings
Stockings for pregnancy-related symptoms are available in pantyhose, knee-high and thigh-high stockings. As hosiery, they can be opaque or sheer and include more wiggle room in the waist and hips to accommodate a growing belly. Pregnant women can also choose cotton and linen knee-high socks for pain and swelling in the lower legs (see below). Maternity stockings help prevent DVT and varicose veins often associated with pregnancy. Moreover, postpartum women may also be at risk of these vein issues and often experience prolonged circulation issues.
Knee-High and Thigh-High Stockings
Knee-high compression stockings provide compression and support to the calf muscles, ankle, and foot and usually resemble regular socks. Thigh-high stockings provide compression and support to the entire leg, from the ankle to the thigh and are generally opaque or sheer. Both come in a variety of materials for your individual needs.
Open-Toe Stockings
Open-toe stockings offer more ventilation than the standard closed-toe version, making them more appealing to wear in the warmer, humid months. They can also be helpful for individuals who have difficulty putting on traditional compression stockings or those who find them uncomfortable. Rest assured, open-toe compression stockings offer the same compression levels, just with the bonus of added breathability. You can also wear sandals with open-toe stockings as they're more discrete.
April 27, 2023
Pregnancy can alter your life in more ways than one. From cravings to hormones, it's a challenging (yet rewarding) nine months. One of the most frustrating aspects of pregnancy is the foot pain that comes along with it. Let's look at how you can alleviate foot pain during pregnancy while you wait to welcome your little one!
How to Alleviate Foot Pain During Pregnancy
Change your shoes
Wear compression stockings
Try orthotics
Move (when you can)
Practice self-care
Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels
Change Your Shoes
Did you know that your feet can grow in size during pregnancy? As a result, foot pain can occur when you ignore the need to shop for new shoes that accommodate this growth. Thanks to fluid retention and an increase in soft tissues, pregnancy can permanently change the size of your feet. The ligaments in the feet can also change while they try to support excess weight. As a result, your feet may become wider and flatter. To deal with this phenomenon and alleviate foot pain, get a proper shoe fitting or shoe stretching (for certain shoe types) if you notice your footwear is feeling a little too tight. The best shoes for pregnancy should have the following features:
Width options
Low heels
Breathable materials
Sufficient toe box room
Arch support
Cushioning
Thick soles
Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings provide gentle pressure to the feet and lower legs during pregnancy. Specifically, they boost blood circulation, alleviating foot pain. Triggering blood flow can also be a preventative measure and stop blood clotting and pooling. Compression socks can also prevent varicose veins, which can be very painful.
It's a common myth that compression socks look unflattering or unfashionable; in fact, they look the same as traditional socks and hosiery and come in various colours and styles. To get a pair of compression stockings or hosiery, you can get a prescription from your family doctor. Then simply come to Feet First Clinic to be measured by our staff.
Try Orthotics
During pregnancy, you may notice you suddenly have flat feet, whereas before, you had more of a pronounced arch. Luckily, custom orthotics can help correct the abnormal walking patterns you may develop due to flat feet, which will help stabilize your movements. With these corrections, you can avoid additional pain in the lower back, hips and knees. Orthotics will also provide shock absorption, protecting your feet from the ground's harsh impact. In addition, using orthotics to correct your gait will prevent future pain after you give birth since your feet may not immediately revert to the way they were before pregnancy.
Move (When You Can)
It's no surprise that pregnancy can make you feel lethargic. But it's important to perform light stretching exercises as they can do a world of good for your feet! They will strengthen the muscles in your feet and lower legs while improving blood circulation. Some examples include lightly massaging the bottom of your feet with a golf ball or water bottle(see below), or you can perform the calf stretch on a step, which gently stretches the soles and lower legs. Your chiropodist can recommend specific stretches for target muscles, and you can also refer to Feet First Clinic's Pinterest page for quick and easy routines.
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/782007922795231123/
Practice Self Care
Below are some additional ways to alleviate foot pain during pregnancy. Many of them are luxurious, relaxing and fun!
Enjoy a foot massage
Self-massage your calves and flex your feet when you experience cramping
Soak your feet in a warm foot bath to relax your muscles
Moisturize your feet (rubbing your feet will also boost blood flow)
Stay hydrated and avoid salty foods to prevent swelling and inflammation
Try not to stand for long periods without resting
April 15, 2023
Compression Stockings have various benefits for a broader demographic than you'd think.
They actually can be considered as preventative as well as supportive. This article will break down those who can safely and effectively wear compression stockings, along with the optimal times to wear them.
What are Compression Stockings?
Compression Stockings (or socks) gently apply pressure to your legs down to your ankles promoting better blood flow circulation. Increasing the blood flow from your legs to your heart supports those who deal with Venous Insufficiency and other related poor circulation issues. Blood pools in the legs, leading to varicose veins, cramping, and potential ulcers, are generally seen in older women with a more sedentary lifestyle or a family history.
They also aid in reducing any swelling or inflammation in your legs by adding support where necessary.
Other benefits of Compression Stockings:
Reduces swelling and inflammation
It helps to lessen the pain as a result of varicose veins
Improves lymphatic drainage
Compression Stockings support proper blood flow circulation. As noted, that is something anyone can face, but certain demographics are more susceptible based on their lifestyle or a pre-existing inclination in their genetics.
Who Can Wear Compression Stockings?
The Elderly
If you are 65+ and are more sedentary or have other health issues related to circulation, Compression Stockings are generally advised. As you age, dependent on your self-care, you can start to have swelling in your knees, legs, and ankles. This can become quite painful, hindering your mobility: blood clots and varicose veins and other vein issues like Orthostatic Hypertension.
People with diabetes who suffer from nerve damage and also need assistance with circulation benefit from Diabetic Stockings. However, if advised by a medical professional, some mild compression stockings can also be of service.
It would be best to promote movement as you age as much as you can to keep your blood flowing. With Compression Stockings, you have that additional support.
Nurses
Constantly on their feet for long shifts, nurses are caring for others and on high alert in the event of an emergency. A very common demographic, nurses need that additional support and understand the medical value of compression stockings. Fatigue can lead to heaviness in the legs, and the support of compression helps bring more oxygen to their blood.
Runners and Walkers
Much like the demographics above, runners, walkers, dancers, and other athletes benefit from compression stockings for muscle recovery. Lactic acid builds up in your system from extensive movement, which leads to inflammation. By wearing compression stockings after a long run, more oxygen can flow to your blood cells, which helps to reduce the lactic acid buildup. The faster blood can flow to your legs after movement, the faster you can heal. Wearing compression stockings during exercise is also common, but it's recommended that momentum be built up over time, much like breaking in a new pair of shoes.
Best Times to Wear Compression Stockings
For Flights
If you are travelling and sitting on a long flight at another altitude, wearing compression socks can benefit your legs to feel refreshed upon landing.
On Your Feet All Day
Nurses and even other professionals who suffer from fatigue and heavy legs are great to wear throughout your shift.
After Movement
As part of your recovery, at whatever level of movement, if you have pre-existing blood flow concerns, compression stockings are great to wear during rest. After a warm shower, wearing them after exercise can speed up your recovery process.
When Not to Wear Compression Stockings
Don't wear them overnight - when your legs are at full rest, lying down with compression stockings on is not advised
When starting to wear them, gradually increase the time duration to get your body used to them
Make sure you seek professional advice to determine what is suitable for you
Looking for Compression Socks to Best Suit Your Needs?
At Feet First, we offer medical advisement on compression stockings and finding the right pair for you. Please call us today and book your appointment at 416.769.3338(FEET)
January 26, 2023
Our bodies have a lot of work to do on a daily basis, to put it lightly. But one critical function is blood circulation, which is at the top of the list in terms of importance.
You can experience many health conditions without proper blood flow, ranging from aches and pains to serious heart problems. That's why it's wise to learn the ins and outs of blood circulation. There are several components to this broad topic. These include:
What is blood circulation?
The link between blood circulation and heart health
Blood circulation benefits
What is the cause of poor blood circulation?
The link between blood circulation and foot health
How to improve blood circulation
Photo by pch.vector from FreePik
What is Blood Circulation?
Blood circulation is how your blood vessels deliver nutrients and oxygen to your cells and body parts.
The issue with blood circulation is that we can easily restrict blood flow when we neglect to care for ourselves. Furthermore, blood flow is not an "all-or-nothing" dynamic; we can go about our routines with poor blood circulation and not even realize it!
But the longer you proceed through life with poor blood flow, the closer you become to experiencing health conditions and frequent aches and pains.
The Link Between Blood Circulation and Heart Health
The circulatory system distributes blood throughout your body, with the heart at the centre of all the action. This system has three main components: the heart, blood vessels and blood itself. This system is the reason why we can function every day. As a result, it's safe to say it's a rather critical function of the human body.
Your heart pumps around eight pints worth of blood every single day. This means that if your heart is in poor health, it can affect blood flow. The same is true if you switch things around: if your arteries and veins are in poor condition, it can affect your heart health. More specifically, when your arteries deliver oxygenated blood throughout your body, the blood then has to find its way back to where it came from. Your veins do this by bringing the blood back to your heart, making its way towards your lungs to "drop off" carbon dioxide and "pick up" more oxygen.
Blood Circulation Benefits
It keeps your heart healthy.
It keeps your feet, legs and other body parts healthy.
It allows all vital organs to function properly.
It keeps you feeling sharp and alert (blood delivers oxygen and glucose to your brain)
It reduces aches and pains, including foot pain.
What is the Cause of Poor Blood Circulation?
How you live your life can determine how efficiently your body distributes blood. Since plaque build-up, narrowed vessels and blood clots are the main culprits behind circulation restriction, preventing these interferences is important.
Likewise, you can tackle many causes of poor blood circulation by adjusting lifestyle habits. Your family doctor or healthcare specialist can address diseases that lead to poor blood circulation.
Here are some reasons your body may be struggling to distribute blood:
You live a sedentary lifestyle without exercise.
You smoke cigarettes.
Your diet is lacking in healthy foods. Furthermore, a high fat and high cholesterol diet can lead to plaque build-up (atherosclerosis) in the vessels.
You have high blood pressure (when blood pushes against the vessel walls, it can weaken them).
You have diabetes. This disease can cause excess glucose to harm your blood vessels.
You have blood clots in your legs.
You are overweight. Obesity can be a risk factor for other causes of poor blood flow.
Photo by brgfx from FreePik
The Link Between Blood Circulation and Foot Health
When blood efficiently flows from your heart to your legs and feet, you reduce your risk of developing muscle pain, stiffness and weakness. Your feet and legs can also give you signals that you are having a problem with blood circulation.
But how does blood reach your feet?
There are specific arteries that transport blood to your legs and feet. One, the femoral artery, starts in the thigh area and extends downward toward the knees. This artery is responsible for transporting blood to your lower body and branches off into six other arteries along its route, all of which must supply blood to a different body part. Then there is the posterior tibial artery, which transports blood to the plantar surface of the foot.
Foot and leg issues may occur if you neglect your health by disregarding these arteries. For example, peripheral artery disease (PAD) may develop. This will lead to plaque build-up inside the femoral artery, and the vessels will narrow, greatly reducing the amount of blood that can pass through.
Here are some indicators that you need to improve blood circulation to your feet:
Numbness
Cold feet
"Pins and needles"
Foot pain
Discolouration
Varicose veins
Foot fatigue and "heaviness."
Swelling (edema): your body's lower extremities can swell if your heart cannot circulate blood properly. When blood collects, your vessels release fluid into the surrounding tissues.
Photo by Drazen Zigic from FreePik
How to Improve Blood Circulation
The primary way to boost blood circulation is to move your body. You can also use medical devices and make lifestyle changes.
When you perform exercises and stretches, the blood vessels around the targeted muscle will expand thanks to the chemicals the body releases when you move. This signals your heart to pump more blood into the more spacious vessels. Furthermore, your muscles will receive more oxygen, transforming glucose into muscle "fuel."
Harvard Health also notes that leg stretches that stimulate blood flow can protect against heart disease and strokes. Their study also showed that working the muscles in the hips, knees and ankles for 45 seconds at a time leads to better blood flow in the arteries of the lower legs, as well as less stiffness and pain.
Virtually any type of exercise improves your body's overall blood flow system. In addition to a regular stretching routine, you can try light to moderate cardiovascular exercise, yoga, and playing sports.
Compression stockings are also excellent (and stylish!) medical devices that boost blood flow in the lower legs and feet. You don't have to have a serious condition to use them; you can get them if you spend a long time sitting at a desk during the work day, frequently travel, or spend a lot of time lying down in bed. They are excellent for those experiencing conditions that greatly impact blood flow, including:
Pregnancy-related blood pooling in the feet and ankles
Chronic venous insufficiency
Deep vein thrombosis
Phlebitis
Natural ways to improve blood circulation include eating a healthy diet. According to Healthline, foods that boost and stimulate blood flow include cayenne pepper, garlic, fatty fish, beets, nuts and leafy greens. Furthermore, quitting harmful habits like smoking cigarettes can also help you exercise efficiently. You will notice the effects of improved blood circulation between 2 to 12 weeks after ditching smoking.
Image by storyset on FreePik
January 19, 2023
Do you have an irresistible urge to move your legs while trying to relax? If this sounds like you, you may suffer from restless leg syndrome.
There are countless leg conditions out there, some directly related to the vast array of foot conditions we treat at Feet First Clinic. However, many people do not even recognize restless leg syndrome as an issue. For instance, if you're someone with a lot of natural energy and pep, you may think your jittery legs are normal. But unbeknownst to you, your restless legs result from a neurological disorder affecting roughly 5% of the general population and 10% of people over 65 years old.
Today's article will address everything you need to know about restless leg syndrome, including:
What is restless leg syndrome?
Symptoms of restless leg syndrome
Causes of restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome treatment
Home remedies for restless leg syndrome
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome(RLS) is a neurological sleep disorder that causes an unpleasant sensation in the legs and an uncontrollable desire to move them. Symptoms typically arise when people are at rest, such as while watching a movie, sitting at a desk or trying to fall asleep at night. Furthermore, moving the legs can provide temporary relief, but RLS symptoms will appear again when you fall back into a sedentary position.
RLS is also called Willis-Ekbom Disease.
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
The primary symptom of RLS is, of course, a nagging desire to move your legs.
Usually, we encourage high energy levels and love when people want to move their limbs and be active. However, while exercising is excellent for fighting foot pain and getting into shape, this fidgety, uncontrollable feeling can be distressing when trying to relax. In other words, it's important to understand that RLS is a serious problem that shouldn't be diminished, and it's critical to differentiate between RLS and being physically energetic.
To gain a better understanding of whether or not you may have RLS, you can look out for the following symptoms:
An unpleasant feeling in the legs. RLS patients have described the feeling in numerous ways, from a "crawling" sensation to electric pulsing. Other ways to describe the sensation include aching, itching, throbbing, pulling and "creeping."
An inability to settle into a sedentary position. RLS sensations kick in when you're trying to relax or are in a place where you can't move for a while. You may be seated on an airplane for hours or simply trying to fall asleep in bed after a long day. Moreover, you'll notice the symptoms subside when you start to move again.
Daytime drowsiness and a lack of sleep. RLS can be a significant contributor to insomnia and is technically a sleep disorder, so it's essential to seek medical attention when you notice an impact on your sleep schedule.
Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
There are no known causes of most cases of RLS. That said, scientific evidence suggests the following risk factors may play a role in RLS development:
RLS is slightly more common in seniors, likely because diabetic neuropathy, end-stage renal disease and hemodialysis are known risk factors.
Specific medications can make RLS symptoms worse. Some examples include antihistamines, anti-nausea and anti-emetic drugs, antidepressant medications and antipsychotic medications.
An iron deficiency can contribute to RLS.
Genetics can play a role in RLS development. Between 40-90 percent of affected individuals have at least one first-degree relative with RLS, like a parent or sibling.
For unknown reasons, women are more likely to experience RLS than men.
Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment
It may seem like nothing will help your restless legs. Since the symptoms are quite strange, it may feel like you simply have to put up with them. But rest assured, there are ways you can make your life much more comfortable while dealing with RLS:
Compression stockings: Compression wear is known to help with aches and alleviate sedentary symptoms, so it may be beneficial for those with RLS. More specifically, the National Library of Medicine notes that when light pressure is applied to the limbs, it can act as a counter-stimuli to the uncomfortable feeling RLS causes. The feeling of pressure essentially overpowers the other sensations.
Massage therapy: Registered massage therapy may prompt dopamine release in the body. It can also alleviate tension in the skin and muscles.
Medications: Dopamine-related medications, iron supplements, benzodiazepines (and other sleep-inducing drugs), and alpha-2 delta drugs (calcium channel blockers) may be prescribed by your family doctor.
Benefits of Compression Stockings from Sigvaris Group
Home Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome
Sometimes, your RLS symptoms will bother you before you can see your family doctor or get a compression stocking fitting with a chiropodist. If you're waiting around for treatment and becoming progressively more uncomfortable, these at-home remedies may help:
Hot baths: The warm temperature of bath water can "distract" your muscles when RLS sensations arise.
Restricting caffeine and alcohol: Stimulants and depressants can hurt your sleep. However, if you suffer from severe RLS, restricting caffeine may not do much, but it can be helpful in mild cases. Likewise, alcohol can make you sleepy, but it also tends to wake people up in the middle of the night.
Ice packs: Cold compresses can "distract" your muscles like hot water can.
Exercises: Foot and leg stretches, specifically flexing the ankles and performing toe circles, can help provide relief. That said, sudden vigorous exercise isn't always recommended for people with RLS. Instead, you should ease into moderate routines.
Magnesium and Calcium: These supplements may decrease muscle spasms. For the best results, take them before bed.
Valerian and Passionflower: These herbs may relax your muscles and trigger sleep.
