Throughout our 21+ years of experience in the medical device industry, we have encountered a multitude of stereotypes about compression stockings.
Which is why we’d like to debunk a few of them:
1- Compression stockings are harmful to health
Any medical device used improperly and incorrectly can be or become harmful! It is recommended that when you intend to purchase such a medical device, you consult a medical specialist who can tell you the type of stockings: preventive or therapeutic but also the degree of compression. Together with ORTOPEDICA specialists you will be able to choose the optimal size based on appropriate measurements. Wearing compression stockings is rarely prohibited. Most of the time, special attention is paid to poor blood circulation in the feet, which is often found in people with diabetes, who may be advised not to wear compression stockings.
2 – Cannot be worn in summer
The heat of the summer months can be unpleasant for people who cannot sit in the sun because of the vascular problems that can be seen in the skin due to the extra pressure acting on veins in the lower limbs that are already weakened or damaged. Fortunately, thanks to wearing medical stockings that have mild compression the symptoms of varicose veins can be relieved. In addition, we also have low DEN stockings in natural colours in our portfolio that can be easily worn in summer.
3 – Medical stockings are too thick
There is no such thing as too thick or too thin stockings, just subjective choices. Every person is different and so are our stocking styles. Medical stockings are of several types, specific weaves specially designed to give a certain degree of compression, have different uses (stockings – clothing item, stockings – medical item (post-operative, anti-thrombotic, etc.). In ORTOPEDICA centres you will certainly find a model that can give you support and comfort, with soft and light weight fibres that do not heat up the foot.
4 – Only sick people should wear them
Compression stockings are very helpful for people with existing conditions and symptoms (e.g. eliminates the feeling of heavy and tired feet, reduces swelling (oedema) from fluid build-up, varicose veins and broken veins). However, preventative stockings will still keep feet healthy and stimulate blood circulation from the feet, back to the heart and lungs.
5 – Preventive stockings and therapeutic stockings are the same
Medicinal stockings have varying levels of compression, strongest in the ankle area, from where they gradually decrease upwards. Compression stockings higher than 20-25 mm/Hg should be prescribed by a doctor, based on a diagnosis. Preventive stockings, on the other hand, can include compression up to 20 mm/Hg graduated, stronger in the ankle area, decreasing as you reach the bottom, whether banded or pantyhose.
6 – Compression stockings can cut off blood circulation
Medical stockings are designed to improve blood circulation. They will not cut off blood circulation if they are the right size and used properly. Compression stockings that are too large may tend to slip due to gravity and body movement. Wrinkled or folded portions of a compression stocking can cause a so-called tourniquet, with the effect of interrupting proper blood circulation. They should therefore be stretched tightly over the leg and repositioned if necessary during wear.
7 – Compression stockings are ugly
Lately, compression stockings have literally experienced a fashion revolution. New fibre materials that are cooler, softer, moisture-repellent, much more durable are now available in a wide range of thicknesses, stretch and colours.
8 – Medical socks are hard to put on and take off
Indeed, they are somewhat difficult to put on and take off, but as their name implies, they are compression stockings and therefore they cannot apply proper pressure to the veins in the feet unless they are tight enough. Wearing compression stockings requires patience, practice and technique. Some people do better using rubber gloves. A rule of thumb is to put them on in the first part of the day! Orthopaedic specialists can help you with advice on this, giving you all the instructions you need.
9 – Compression stockings can eliminate varicose veins
Compression stockings cannot eliminate existing varicose veins, but they will help to slow down the progression of varicose veins and their deterioration, protecting them against venous ulcers. They will keep varicose veins close to their normal size, improving circulation. If stockings can’t control varicose veins
10 – Medicinal stockings eliminate cellulite
Compression stockings prevent water retention, one of the main causes of cellulite. Compressive massage and improved circulation will help considerably from an aesthetic point of view, but unfortunately wearing them alone will not help you get rid of cellulite.
