Debunking 10 Common Myths About Compression Stockings

 
 
#1 – Compression Stockings can be Harmful

The bottom line is – anything can be harmful if it is utilized improperly and incorrectly.  Consequently, it is very important that you talk to your primary care physician first to make sure that you don’t have any preexisting conditions or circumstances that would preclude you from wearing compression stockings.  For example individuals with decreased blood circulation in the legs, as can be the case with smokers or diabetics, may be advised not to wear compression hosiery.

#2 – It is unnecessary to wear Compression Stockings during the Summer Months

Think again.  Any vein specialist can confirm that the heat of the summer months puts additional strain on weakened or damaged leg veins.  Therefore it may be highly beneficial to continue wearing compression stockings during the summer months to give your leg veins the proper support.

#3 – Compression Stockings are Too Hot to Wear in the Summer

Compression stockings have come a long way with regard to fashion and fabrics.  If you like to surf the Internet you won’t have to search too long to find fashionably sheer compression stocking choices that promise to keep you cool and comfortable with soft and light weight fibers.  With options such as open toe, toeless and footless stockings, pantyhose or leggings available at the click of your mouse, the variety of support hosiery will sure please your inner fashionista, while still delivering the proper amount of graduated compression to your legs.

#4 – Only People that are actually Sick should wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings can be very helpful for people with existing conditions and symptoms (e.g. to relieve heavy and tired feeling legs, to reduce swelling (edema) from the accumulation of fluids and to help with varicose veins and spider veins).  Nevertheless, graduated compression stockings and support hosiery of lower grade compression levels (up to 20 mm/Hg) may be highly beneficial as a preventative measure to preserve still healthy legs and boost the return blood circulation in your legs to the heart and lungs.

#5 – Compression Stockings are the same as Support Stockings

It depends.  There seems to be much confusion out there in cyber space as to which is which and the dividing lines between compression and support stockings are often blurred.  Compression stockings always feature graduated compression levels which are the strongest at the ankle area from where they gradually decrease going up the legs.  Compression stockings above 20 mm/Hg should be prescribed by a physician or vein specialist based on their individual findings and recommendations to the patient.  Support stockings, on the other hand, may feature graduated compression of up to 20 mm/Hg.  If support hosiery simply offers overall increased support with higher percentages of elastic fibers (such as Lycra®, Elastane or Spandex) or added compression this does not necessarily mean graduated compression, which is always the strongest at the ankle area with a gradual decrease in pressure going up the leg toward the top of the stocking or pantyhose.

#6 – Compression Stockings can cut off your Blood Circulation

Compression stockings are designed to improve your blood circulation.  They will not cut off your circulation IF they are sized, fitted and worn properly.  All of these requirements are nearly equally important.  Compression stockings must be sized and fitted perfectly to be able to do their job well.  Improperly sized compression stockings can have a tendency to slide down and bunch up in different areas due to gravity and body movement.  Bunched up, wrinkled or folded over portions of a compression stocking can produce what one would call a tourniquet like effect and cut off proper blood circulation.  It is not a bad idea to check your compression stockings frequently throughout the day to make sure they are staying in place properly.

Our Tip:  If you should still have a problem with your compression stockings sliding down in certain places regardless of a proper fit we suggest trying a liquid (roll-on) body adhesive to keep them in their proper place.

#7 – Compression Stockings are Ugly

The fact is they used to be uncomfortable, scratchy, itchy and ugly.  But truth be told – you no longer have to put up with any of that.  Compression stockings have literally experienced a fashion revolution.  Manufacturers have finally seen the light and realized that nobody likes to wear the rubber socks and pantyhose our grandmothers had to deal with.  The improvements have been vast and across the board.  New fiber materials that are cooler, softer, moisture wicking and highly durable are available in a wide range of thicknesses, elasticity and colors.  We think that compression stockings have definitely made their entry into main stream fashion.

#8 – Compression Stockings are Too Hard to Put on and Take Off

They are indeed somewhat difficult to put on and take off but as the name says they are compression stockings and therefore they can’t do their job of applying pressure to the legs and superficial vein system unless they are fairly tight.  On the other hand they cannot be too tight to the point where they interfere with or cut off blood circulation.  Proper measuring of your legs and correct sizing and fitting of compression stockings are essential and should best be performed by a trained and certified fitter of compression hosiery.  Putting on compression stockings requires patience, practice and technique.  Some individuals may also have an easier time performing the daily tasks of donning and doffing their compression garments with the help of assistive devices and rubber gloves.  Detailed instructions for putting on and removing compression stockings can be found on many websites of manufacturers and retailers of compression and support hosiery.

#9 – Compression Stockings can Eliminate Varicose Veins

Compression stockings cannot eliminate existing varicose veins, but they can help to slow the progression of varicose veins and deterioration into worse conditions such as vein and skin ulcers.  Compression stockings can help to reduce bulging varicose veins close to their normal size thereby improving venous blood circulation.  They can also help with swelling (edema) of the legs as a result of the accumulation of fluids.  If compression stockings fail to control your symptoms caused by varicose veins more invasive treatments may become necessary.

#10 – Compression Stockings can Remove Cellulite

Pass the cottage cheese!  Regardless of sophisticated marketing hype, unfortunately there is no cure all when it comes to cellulite.  Once it appears it is in most cases here to stay.  Nevertheless, a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, various types of massages as well as cellulite creams can go a long ways toward making areas of cellulite less visible.  Compression stockings, leggings and shorts with special types of weaves also promise to whittle away at the less than attractive areas of orange peel cellulite utilizing your own body’s movements for massaging effect.

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