What are the Side Effects of Compression Stockings?

Compression stockings have benefited millions of people from all walks of life in all types of industries, including pilots, flight attendants, nurses, runners, pregnant women, and people at risk of blood clots. 

However, some argue that compression stockings may be dangerous, so let’s have a look into whether there are side-effects associated with using compression stockings, and how to avoid them. 

How Do Compression Stockings Work?

They are an elastic “sock” worn around the leg to add pressure to the limb. The increased pressure applied by the compression stocking can reduce the diameter of distended veins, increase blood flow velocity, and improve valve effectiveness. 

In simple terms, compression stockings assist the body in returning blood to the heart so that less blood can pool in the extremities. It’s for this reason they are often used by people on long flights, despite the individual being in an otherwise excellent state of health.

Compression stockings also provide advantages to pregnant women. Hormones released during pregnancy can affect the leg veins, and an expanding uterus can also impact the inferior vena cava. The vena cava is a major vein that returns blood to the heart. 

Athletes also use compression stockings as a training aid, with many saying they add some comfort to the workout, and they can also achieve better results while wearing them. 

Can Compression Stockings Cause Problems?

Doctors often prescribe compression stockings to their patients for various medical issues, but it’s essential to know that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Unfortunately, compression stockings are often used incorrectly, and cases are not limited to the general public. Hospitals and other patient care facilities are also guilty of not using compression stockings properly.

A study published in the American Journal of Nursing revealed that compression stockings were misused on 29% of patients. It was also found that 26% of the patients were not fitted with the correct size.

When discussing the side-effects of compression stockings, it is always a case of them being misused, or not fitted correctly. 

Side Effects of Compression Stockings

Unpleasant, and even painful side-effects can manifest when compression stockings are not used correctly. 

When the wrong size is worn, or the stockings are not fitted correctly, they won’t be able to do their job. 

A stocking that is too tight can put too much pressure on the limb.  Similar to how a tourniquet works, the blood flow is hindered. In such situations, the stocking may become the cause of a blood clot, rather than a preventative measure. 

Compression stockings that are fitted incorrectly, such as too small, rolled, or folded over, may cause excessive irritation to the skin. Severe cases can result in the formation of ulcers and open wounds. If the stockings are used after surgery, the damage can occur in as little as two hours. 

How to Avoid the Side Effects of Compression Stockings

If you need to wear compression stockings and want to avoid any issues, it is vital you are measured up correctly and that you are supplied with the right size. 

Compression strengths also vary depending on the condition being treated, so you must use a compression level that is based on the recommendations of your doctor or medical specialist. 

Here’s What To Do Now

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