Compression stockings

Compression stockings
Compression stockings

Compression stockings are a specialized hosiery designed to help prevent the occurrence of, and guard against further progression of, venous disorders[1] such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis. Compression stockings are elastic garments worn around the leg, compressing the limb. This reduces the diameter of distended veins and increases venous blood flow velocity and valve effectiveness. Compression therapy helps decrease venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and impairments of venous walls, and relieves heavy and aching legs.

Knee-high compression stockings are used not only to help increase circulation, but also to help prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower legs. They also aid in the treatment of ulcers of the lower legs.

Unlike traditional dress or athletic stockings and socks, compression stockings use stronger elastics to create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. Compression stockings are tightest at the ankles and gradually become less constrictive toward the knees and thighs. By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, they force circulating blood through narrower channels. As a result, the arterial pressure is increased, which causes more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet.

There are two types of compression stockings, gradient and anti-embolism.[2]

History

The use of the compression therapy is not new. As early as the Neolithic period (5000-2500 BCE), the images of the soldiers with bandaged lower extremities were found in the drawings of the caves of Tassili in Sahara. The Edwin Smith Papyrus, which dates to roughly 1600 BCE, included additional evidence of mechanical compression therapy for legs.[3] Hippocrates treated his patients' leg ulcers with tight bandages, which were described in his Corpus Hippocraticum (450–350 BCE).[4] Galen (130-200 CE) used wool and linen compression bandages to prevent blood from pooling in the legs and Oribassius (324 CE) used to treat leg ulcers with tight bandages.[3]

During the Middle Ages, the leading use of leg compression bandages was mainly for therapy. This is evidenced by the works of Avicenna (980–1037); Giovanni Michelle Savonarola (1384–1468); Ambrosie Pare (1510–1590); Girolomo Fabrizio di Acquapendente (1537–1619); and other scientists.[3] Guy de Chauliac in his book Chirurgica Magna described the use of compression bandages to treat enlarged veins of the legs.[4] Giovanni Michele Savonarola also treated varicose veins with the help of the leg bandages and described their proper application in his work Practice. In 1628, William Harvey discovered the link between venous stasis and the external pressure. Following that discovery, various compression measures were introduced for therapy: laced stockings, elastic bands, and tight bandages with resin. Later, new textile materials were started to use for the production of compression stockings: natural or cellulose fibers (silk, cotton, coconut) and chemical (acrylic, nylon, polyester).[3] It was only at the end of the 19th century, after Fisher and Lasker, German phlebologists, discovered that the application of the external pressure helped to treat blood clots in the lower extremities, that compression stockings started to be used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis.[4]

Medical uses

Treatment is usually prescribed by a physician to relieve all manifestations of chronic venous disease and prevent venous troubles. Compression stockings are recommended under the following conditions:

Tired, aching legs

Tired, aching legs occur when the blood flow slows down in the legs (can be an indicator of deep vein thrombosis).

Edema

Edema is a condition where the opposing forces that occur in the small blood vessels and capillaries cause a net ultrafiltration of plasma water into the soft tissues.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic peripheral venous insufficiency is when the veins cannot pump deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Varicose veins

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Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are saccular and distended veins which can expand considerably and may cause painful venous inflammation. Once developed, they will not disappear on their own. The formation of varicose veins is an externally visible sign of venous weakness.

Spider veins (mild varicosities)

Spider veins are the smallest cutaneous blood vessels which shimmer bluish or reddish through the skin.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood flow decreases (especially in the lower extremities), causing blood to pool in the legs and leading to blood clot (thrombus) formation. Evidence does not suggest a benefit in post thrombotic syndrome rates following DVT.[5] Compression stockings are beneficial in reducing symptomless deep vein thrombosis among airline passengers flying for 7 hours or more.[6]

Venous thromboembolism

Pharmacological (warfarin, unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin) and mechanical measures (graded compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression devices, and venous foot pumps) are used to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in clinical practice. For cases in which the bleeding risk is high and pharmacologic measures are contraindicated, the use of mechanical prophylaxis is recommended.[3] Graduated compression stockings can effectively prevent VTE in hospitalized patients by applying different pressure to the leg. The meta-analysis of general surgical patients revealed that graduated compression stockings decreased their risk of developing VTE by 68% compared to placebo.[7] Nineteen randomized controlled trials analyzed the effectiveness of graduated compression stockings alone or with other additional prophylaxis in prevention of deep vein thrombosis. These trials included 1681 patients after general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and medical patients. They concluded that graduated compression stockings are effective in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in post-surgical patients.[8] Combining graduated compression stockings with other mechanical and pharmacological measures can increase the effectiveness of VTE prophylaxis by 60%.[9] However, another study performed in France involved 407 ICU patients and showed no difference in the effectiveness of the VTE prevention for patients who used compression stockings alone or in combination with intermittent pneumatic devices.[10]

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when a body part swells due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid, occurring when there is interference with the normal drainage of lymph fluid back into the blood, commonly swelling the arm, leg, neck or abdomen.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis is the term used when inflammation and clotting occurs in a vein, most often a leg vein, due to infection, inflammation, or trauma. People with varicose veins are more often affected. Inflammation occurs suddenly, causing the thrombus to adhere firmly to the vein wall and risking clogging a superficial vein.

Economy class syndrome (ECS)

ECS occurs on long flights, due to traveler's inactivity, gravity, and cramped seating, and slows down the blood flow through veins.[1]

Lipodermatosclerosis

Lipodermatosclerosis is the term used to refer to the inflammation of subcutaneous fat, a form of panniculitis.

Pregnancy

Hormones released during pregnancy and the expanding uterus (pressure on the inferior vena cava – the major vein returning blood up to the heart) can affect leg veins.[11]

The use of elastic compression stockings can reduce volumetric variations during standing hours. The use of stockings for the entire day is more effective than just half the day or not using compression stockings at all.[12] Many physicians and vein specialists recommend wearing compression stockings after varicose vein stripping, but studies show that wearing an elastic compression stocking has no additional benefit after the application of elastic bandaging for three days in post-operative care following the stripping of the great saphenous vein as assessed by control of limb, edema, pain, complications and return to work.[13]

Economy class stroke syndrome

There is a possible link between a common physical defect in the heart and potentially deadly stroke that could occur during long aeroplane flights.[14] The connection, called "economy class stroke syndrome," has been reported in healthy, young travelers who suffered ischemic strokes during or shortly after long air trips. Prolonged sitting associated with air travel is known to be a cause of clots in the legs. Upward of 30 percent of the population is estimated to have patent foramen ovale (PFO), a common condition where a small hole exists between the right and left sides of the heart. PFO rarely causes any adverse medical condition and can be determined only through specific diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram.

Procedure

In the clinical setting the applying of the antiembolism stockings is performed by physicians, nurses and other trained personnel. First the proper size stocking is determined by measuring the legs. Aseptic technique is not necessary unless the skin is open. The person is placed in the supine position in bed for fifteen minutes prior to measuring for fit. This allows for venous return and stability before measuring.[15]:745

Stockings are best applied upon waking before the person has gotten out of bed, has been sitting or standing and before venous stasis or edema has had a chance to develop.[15]:745

Fit is critical to the therapeutic effect of compression stockings. A study listed in the American Journal of Nursing in August 2008 showed that compression stockings were incorrectly sized in just under 30% of the cases studied. It found that additional education was needed not only for patients, but also for medical staff.[16]

Gradient

These stockings are designed to remedy impaired "musculovenous pump" performance caused by incompetent leg vein valves. They are woven in such a way that the compression level is highest around the ankle and lessens towards the top of the hose.

Doctors will typically recommend these stockings for those who are prone to blood clots, lower limb edema, and blood pooling in the legs and feet from prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity. They are also frequently used to address complications caused by diabetes, lymphedema, thrombosis, cellulitis, and other conditions.[17]

They are worn by those who are ambulatory in most cases, helping calf muscles to perform their pumping action more efficiently to return blood to the heart. In some cases, they are worn by those at increased risk of circulatory problems, such as diabetics, whose legs are prone to excessive swelling. A common indicator for the prescription of such stockings is chronic peripheral venous insufficiency, caused by incompetent perforator veins. Low-pressure compression stockings are available without prescription in most countries, and may be purchased at a pharmacy or medical supply store. Stockings with a higher pressure gradient, say, above 25–30 mmHg, may require a prescription from a doctor.

There are several crucial cautionary steps that need to be taken before using compression stockings:

  1. A patient's ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) must be >1.0 per leg to wear compression stockings, otherwise the stockings may obstruct the patient's arterial flow. The ABI indicates how unobstructed a patient's leg and arm arteries are. Any competent doctor or nurse can measure and calculate a patient's ABI.
  2. It is crucial that compression stockings are properly sized. The compression should gradually reduce from the highest compression at the smallest part of the ankle, until a 70% reduction of pressure just below the knee.

Vascular doctors and nurses may use special pads to ensure uniform higher pressure around the circumference of the ankle (to smooth out the irregular cross-sectional profile.) Self-prescription is reasonably safe assuming that the compression gradient is 15–20 mmHg, the ABI (for both legs) is >1.0 and that the stockings fit correctly. "Firm" gradient stockings (20–30 mmHg and 30–40 mmHg) should generally be worn only on medical advice.

Although current research reports mixed results of compression socks on athletic performance,[18][19] there is anecdotal evidence from athletes that they can benefit from such stockings.

Anti-embolism

These stockings are commonly referred to as TED hose, short for thromboembolism-deterrent hose. They are used to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg.[20]

Like gradient compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings deliver a distributed amount of compression at the ankle and up the leg. This compression, when combined with the muscle pump effect of the calf, aids in circulating blood and lymph fluid through the legs (in non-ambulatory patients).

Compression wear has also been adopted by the sports science industry. Various garments have been developed to improve the efficiency of muscles by stabilising muscles and improving circulation/ lactic acid removal. Today, compression stockings are available in a wide range of opacities, colors, styles and sizes, making them virtually indistinguishable from regular hosiery or socks.

Knee-high versus thigh-high

Knee-high and thigh-high anti-embolism compression stockings

The graduated (gradient, graded) compression stockings and anti-embolism compression stockings come in knee-high and thigh-high length.[21] A systemic review by Sajid et al. was done to compare knee-high and thigh-high graded compression stockings in regards of deep vein thrombosis prevention in medical and surgical patients. This review revealed that there was a 6% risk of developing deep vein thrombosis when wearing knee-high stockings and 4% when wearing thigh-high stockings. It concluded that there was no significant difference in the length of compression stockings when used for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. It was suggested that knee-high compression stockings should be the first choice for the deep vein thrombosis prevention in medical and surgical patients. Knee-high stockings are more comfortable, easier to apply, and wearing them increases patients' compliance with treatment.[22] Knee-high stockings are easier to size for limb measurement than thigh-high compression stockings.[9] Thigh-high compression stockings may create a tourniquet effect and cause localized restriction when rolled down.[23] The study of patients treated for post-thrombotic syndrome, performed in Italy, revealed that redness and itching of the skin was reported in 41% of patients wearing thigh-high and 27% in patients wearing knee-high compression stockings. Consequently 22% of thigh-high wearers and 14% of knee-high wearers stopped the treatment.[24]

Contraindications

Caution should be used in those with advanced peripheral obstructive arterial disease, heart failure, septic phlebitis, oozing dermatitis and advanced peripheral neuropathy in regard to wearing compression stockings.[25]

Compression classes

Compression stockings are constructed using elastic fibers or rubber. These fibers help compress the limb, aiding in circulation.

Compression stockings are offered in different levels of compression. The unit of measure used to classify the pressure of the stockings is mmHg. They are often sold in a variety of pressure ranges. Over-the-counter support is available in 10-15 or 15-20 mmHg.

Higher pressure stockings require a prescription and a trained fitter. These higher pressures range from 20-30 mmHg to 50+ mmHg.

Other pressure levels used by manufacturers for custom-made, flat-knitted products in the US and Europe range from 18-21 mmHg to >50mmHg.

Styles

Commonly used terms

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Compression stockings.

References

  1. 1 2 FLA Orthopedics (2004). Graduated Compression Hosiery and Socks. Miramar, FL. pp. 19–20.
  2. ↑ DoctorQA. "Compression Socks". Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Lippi, G.; Favaloro, E. J.; Cervellin, G. (2011). "Prevention of venous thromboembolism: Focus on mechanical prophylaxis". Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis. 37 (3): 237–251. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1273088. PMID 21455858.
  4. 1 2 3 Galanaud, J. P.; Laroche, J. P.; Righini, M. (2013). "The history and historical treatments of deep vein thrombosis". Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 11 (3): 402–411. doi:10.1111/jth.12127. PMID 23297815.
  5. ↑ Berntsen, CF; Kristiansen, A; Akl, EA; Sandset, PM; Jacobsen, EM; Guyatt, G; Vandvik, PO (April 2016). "Compression Stockings for Preventing the Postthrombotic Syndrome in Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis.". The American Journal of Medicine. 129 (4): 447.e1–447.e20. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.11.031. PMID 26747198.
  6. ↑ Clarke, Mike J.; Broderick, Cathryn; Hopewell, Sally; Juszczak, Ed; Eisinga, Anne (2016-09-14). "Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 9: CD004002. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004002.pub3. ISSN 1469-493X. PMID 27624857.
  7. ↑ Caprini, J. A. (2010). "Mechanical methods for thrombosis prophylaxis". Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis: Official Journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis. 16(6): 668-73: 668–73. doi:10.1177/1076029609348645. PMID 19850588.
  8. ↑ Sachdeva, A., Dalton, M., Amaragiri, S. V., & Lees, T. (2014). "Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis". Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews (12). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001484.pub3.
  9. 1 2 Munoz-Figueroa, G. P.; Ojo, O. (2015). "Venous thromboembolism: use of graduated compression stockings". British Journal of Nursing. 24 (13): 680–685. doi:10.12968/bjon.2015.24.13.680. NLM UID: 9212059.
  10. ↑ Vignon, P., Dequin, P-F., Renault, A., Mathonnet, A., Paleiron, N., Imbert, A., Chatellier, D., Gissot, V., Lheritier, G., Aboyans, V., Prat, G., Garot, D., Boulain, T., Diehl, J-L., Bressollette, L., Delluc, A., & Lacut, K. (2013). "Intermittent pneumatic compression to prevent venous thromboembolism in patients with high risk of bleeding hospitalized in intensive care units: the CIREA1 randomized trial". Intensive Care Med. 39: 872-880: 872–880. doi:10.1007/s00134-013-2814-2.
  11. ↑ PRLog. "SIGVARIS Offers Compression Therapy Education for Pregnant Women with Swollen Ankles & Leg Pain". Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  12. ↑ Belczak, C.E.Q.; de Godoy, J.M.P.; Ramos, R.N.; de Oliveira, M.A.; Belczak, S.Q.; Caffaro, R.A. (1 January 2010). "Is the wearing of elastic stockings for half a day as effective as wearing them for the entire day?". British Journal of Dermatology. 162 (1): 42–45. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09396.x. PMID 19785617.
  13. ↑ Houtermans-Auckel, J.P.; van Rossum, E.; Teijink, J.A.W.; Dahlmans, A.A.H.R.; Eussen, E.F.B.; Nicolaï, S.P.A.; Welten, R.J. (1 September 2009). "To Wear or not to Wear Compression Stockings after Varicose Vein Stripping: A Randomised Controlled Trial". European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 38 (3): 387–391. doi:10.1016/j.ejvs.2009.05.025. PMID 19608438.
  14. ↑ Isayev, Y; Chan, R. K.; Pullicino, P. M. (2002). ""Economy class" stroke syndrome?". Neurology. 58 (6): 960–1. doi:10.1212/wnl.58.6.960. PMID 11914416.
  15. 1 2 Rosdahl, Caroline (2012). Textbook of basic nursing. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1-60547-772-5.
  16. ↑ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163107.htm
  17. ↑ "What are Gradient Compression Stockings?". Physiocore. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  18. ↑ Laymon, Abigail S.; Chapman, Robert F.; Stager, Joel M.; Hong, S. Lee; Johnston, Jeanne D. (2009). "Lower Leg Compression Sleeves: Influence on Running Mechanics and Economy in Highly Trained Distance Runners". School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Indiana University.
  19. ↑ Kemmler W, von Stengel S, Köckritz C, Mayhew J, Wassermann A, Zapf J (2009). "Effect of compression stockings on running performance in men runners". Journal of strength and conditioning research. 23 (1): 101–5. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31818eaef3. PMID 19057400.
  20. ↑ Blättler W, Zimmet SE (2008). "Compression therapy in venous disease". Phlebology. 23 (5): 203–205. doi:10.1258/phleb.2008.081004. PMID 18806201.
  21. ↑ Larkin, B. G.; Mitchell, K. M.; Petrie, K. (2012). "Translating evidence to practice for mechanical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis". AORN Journal. 96 (5): 513–27. doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2012.07.011. PMID 23107032. NLM UID: 0372403.
  22. ↑ Lippi, G.; Favaloro, E. J.; Cervellin, G. (2011). "Prevention of venous thromboembolism: Focus on mechanical prophylaxis". Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis. 37 (3): 237–51. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1273088. PMID 21455858.
  23. ↑ Miller, J. A. (2011). "Use and wear of anti-embolism stockings: a clinical audit of surgical patients". International Wound Journal. 8 (1): 74–83. doi:10.1111/j.1742-481X.2010.00751.x. NLM UID: 101230907.
  24. ↑ "Compression stockings after deep-vein thrombosis: Knee-highs or thigh highs?". Harvard Women's Health Watch. 19 (9): 6–6. 2012. PMID 22928203. NLM UID: 9423147.
  25. ↑ Robert Stemmer Library (February 2013). "Compression Bulletin 24" (PDF). Sigvaris. p. 2 "Comment". Retrieved 21 August 2013.
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