Therafirm Compression Socks
There are two types of compression stockings: Gradient & Anti-embolism.
Gradient Compression Stockings
- For patients who are active and walking.
- Delivers a squeezing to the leg that is tightest at the ankle.
- compression gradually decreases up the leg.
- compression, generally expressed in mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
- Worn by those who are ambulatory in most cases,
- Assist the calf muscles to perform their pumping action more efficiently to return blood to the heart.
Anti-Embolism Compression Stockings
- For bed rest (patients that are immobile)
- Stockings are commonly referred to as TED hose, short for ThromboEmbolism-Deterrent hose.
- Used to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg in non-ambulatory patients.
- Like gradient compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings deliver a distributed amount of compression at the ankle and up the leg.
Indications
- To help prevent formation of Deep Vein Thrombosis.
- To promote increased blood flow velocity in the legs by compression of the deep venous system.
Contraindications
***Stockings are not recommended for patients with the following:
- Any local leg condition in which stockings would interfere, such as: dermatitis, vein ligation (immediately postoperative),
- gangrene, or recent skin graft.
- Severe arteriosclerosis or other ischemic vascular disease.
- Massive edema of legs or pulmonary edema from congestive heart failure.
- Extreme deformity of leg.
What Compression Is Right for Me?
- 8-15mmHg (Mild) Tired, aching legs. Minor ankle, leg and foot swelling.
- 18mmHg: For patients that are bed ridden.
- 15-20mmHg (Moderate) Minor varicosities. Minor ankle, leg and foot swelling. Minor varicosities during pregnancy. Postsclerotherapy.
- 20-30mmHg (Firm) Moderate to severe varicosities. Moderate edema. Moderate to severe varicosities pregnancy. Post sclerotherapy. Helps prevent recurrence of venous ulcerations. Superficial thrombophlebitis. Post surgical.
- 30-40mmHg (Extra Firm) Severe varicosities. Severe edema, Lymphatic edema. Chronic venous insufficiency. Post sclerotherapy. Helps prevent recurrence of venous ulcerations, manages active venous ulcerations. Orthostatic hypotension. Post surgical. DVT/post thrombotic syndrome.
- How to put on Compression.