Compression Garments: Socks/Stockings:
How do I care for my garments?
- Use Venosan® donning & doffing gloves or rubber kitchen gloves.
- Use body lotion, ointments, or creams at night once stockings are removed.
- Slide stocking over foot. Make sure the heel of the stocking is positioned correctly.
- AD – below knee Gently but firmly pull up to just below the knee and do not overstretch.
- AGH – thigh high Gently but firmly pull up to mid-thigh. Release pressure from mid-thigh to upper thigh. Place without stretching on upper thigh to prevent the garment slipping down.
- AGG – one leg with belt (Chaps style garment). Don in the same way as the thigh high garment, but to the groin. Make sure the stocking is right to the groin – thus preventing a tourniquet effect. You may need to put the belt across your chest to the shoulder and attach to back belt at the shoulders. This helps to prevent the garment slipping down.
- Smooth out any wrinkles with gloves.
All our garments come with washing instructions on the package.
- Hand wash is recommended.
- Can machine wash in net bag.
- Water temperature up to 40ºC.
- Use mild washing detergent.
- Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
- Do not tumble dry.
- Silicon band to be washed daily.
- Do not dry clean or iron.
Loose threads in a compression garment are necessary because:
- Compression garments are often stretched considerably when pulled over a leg.
- Loose threads allow for this to happen without damage to the stocking.
- They also have a tolerance for circumferential sizing and again loose threads allow the garments to stretch accordingly.
We recommend that patients do not cut these threads, as this could result in runs.
Venosan® garments carry a warranty on manufacturing faults and unfortunately when threads are cut off too short by clients, it might not be considered a manufacturing fault.
Am I able to claim my compression garments from my health insurance fund?
Please check with your health fund.
Most health funds pay a proportion depending on your cover and if your garment is over $100.
How do they work?
Application of compression helps the vein to empty and assists the blood to return to the heart.
Medical compression socks and stockings work like a sleeve, gently squeezing the leg from the outside.
Compression stockings work by applying firm, continuous graduated pressure to the veins and muscles in the leg.
Why do I need to wear compression stockings?
Compression stocking therapy focuses on health problems associated with poor circulation due to either weak vein walls or vein blockages.
Compression stockings are a non-invasive treatment method.
They can help relieve pain and swelling (oedema), improve mobility, and restore lost energy associated with venous disorders.
They offer graduated compression and effective support with excellent prophylactic action.
Venosan® support stockings and socks are recommended for
Travel
Will assist in reducing ankle swelling due to sitting for extended time periods.
Socks/stockings should be worn before the actual travel day to ensure a comfortable fit.
If travelling by plane, you need to wear them for at least 24 to 48 hours after landing.
You do not necessarily need to wear them to bed but put them on whilst walking around.
Work
Shown to relieve tired, aching legs, heaviness, and overall fatigue due to long periods of standing. The use of support socks/stockings can combat the strain on the venous system and reduce the risk of future vein disorders.
Pregnancy
To reduce fluid pooling in the lower extremities and the onset of varicose veins due to increased blood volume and pressure on the pelvic veins, caused by the growing foetus.
Up to 30% of women develop visible varicose veins during their pregnancy.
Sport
Assists in reducing muscle soreness and muscle damage, can also aid with faster recovery.
When to take the measurements?
Measure first thing in the morning before moving around too much – measurements should be taken when the leg is not swollen.
Standing position – take measurements in a standing position if possible.
Incorrect sizing will cause discomfort, resulting in poor compliance.
Well-fitting compression socks or stockings are the key to successful treatment and comfort
If the garment is too tight, it will be uncomfortable and the likelihood of wearing the stockings all day is slim.
If the garment is too big, you will spend all day pulling it up.
Incorrect sizing will cause discomfort result in poor compliance.
Contraindications:
- Severe arterial blood flow disorder
- Diabetes
- Severe neuropathological disorder
- Weeping ulcers
If concerned, please contact your doctor or therapist.
Can I wear TED stockings instead?
Anti-embolism stockings are commonly prescribed for patients who are confined to bed for a period and are typically made for short-term hospitalisation.
If you have a mild to severe varicose vein and you are not a pre- or post-surgery patient lying down in bed, you should wear graduated compression stockings.
When travelling should I wear travel socks?
Travelling any distance where a person is immobile for extended periods, can be a precursor to the development of a DVT as blood circulation slows down, and increases the risk of clotting which may cause thrombosis. Aircraft travel can exacerbate this risk due to atmospheric pressures, but other long-distance travel can also cause a DVT to develop. This risk is also of concern for people with healthy veins.
A compression garment should be donned prior to going to the Airport and should be worn 24-48 hours after landing. They can be taken off to go to bed but should be worn again the following day.