GRADUATED COMPRESSION HOSIERY
“The Health and Beauty of Your Legs is in Your Hands.”
Approximately 40 million Americans have varicose veins. About 30-40% of pregnant women and about 50% of people over the age of 40 will develop varicose veins during their lifetime.
Graduated Compression Hosiery is widely recognized by doctors as an effective, non-surgical remedy for prevention and treatment of venous disorders.
Initial symptoms of venous insufficiency that all of us experience from time to time are swelling, tiredness and aching of the lower legs. If no preventive actions are taken, there is a very high probability that this initial insignificant discomfort will turn into more serious problems such as varicose veins and other venous disorders.
Improving circulation and muscle tone can reduce the risk of getting varicose veins or developing blood clots. To improve circulation and muscle tone, your patients should follow these steps:
Wear Graduated Compression Stockings as often as possible. These stockings will compress their lower legs, promoting blood circulation and increasing oxygen flow throughout the entire body, in effect acting as a “second heart.”
Avoid long periods of sitting or standing in the same position. Make a point of changing position frequently to encourage blood flow. If a job or hobby requires them to stand, they should shift their weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. Also, during long car rides, recommend that they stop and move about every 35 to 45 minutes.
Exercise regularly to get their legs moving. Walking and swimming are excellent ways to encourage blood circulation in the legs. A doctor can recommend the appropriate level of activity.
Control their weight. Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off veins.
Watch what they wear. Avoid high heels. Low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more, which is better for the veins. Don’t wear clothes that constrict the waist, calves, or groin. Tight panty-leg girdles, for instance, can restrict circulation.
Elevate their legs. To improve circulation, once or twice a day, patients should try to elevate their legs above the level of their heart. For example, recommend that they lie down with their legs resting on three or four pillows.
Eat high- fiber foods such as bran cereals, whole grain breads, fresh fruits, and vegetables to promote regular bowel movements. (Constipation contributes to varicose veins.) To prevent swelling, reduce salt intake.
How Graduated Compression Hosiery Works and How It Helps
Graduated Compression provides firmer support at the foot and ankle, where it’s needed most. Compression gradually decreases upward along the leg toward the knee and thigh. This unique construction keeps blood pumping and circulating, in effect acting as a “second heart.” Your patients will feel more energetic and less fatigued all day long. Looking one’s best means giving the body the best treatment available. When it comes to taking care of your legs, it’s never too early to give them all the support you can.
ITA-MED Graduated Compression Hosiery offers the support your patients need, yet is sheer, elegant, and comfortable. It is designed for the fashion-conscious individual who feels the physical pressures of an active lifestyle. Whether your patients are on their feet all day, or flying for hours, ITA-MED hosiery will reduce aching and swelling in their feet and lower legs, and help prevent the onset of varicose veins.
For patients who already have varicose veins, graduated compression hosiery will help alleviate pain and discomfort and reduce the symptoms of the other venous disorders. Our support hosiery is available in a variety of styles, colors, and in several compression levels. Best of all, ITA-MED hosiery products are a great value. They are an investment in good health and will last much longer than conventional hosiery. Try on a pair today and feel the difference that graduated compression makes.
Prevention
Compression up to 20 mmHg
Recommended for people who:
Work on their feet, or lift and carry heavy loads
Experience fatigue, aching, and swelling in the legs
Are at risk of developing venous disorders
Are pregnant, or have recently given birth
Have cellulite problems
Treatment
Compression over 20-40 mmHg
Compression over 20 mmHg is recommended for treatment of existing conditions of venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, post-operative conditions, post-sclerotherapy, edema, blood pooling, and venous stasis.