Last update:
30 August 2022
di Elisa Branda
They look like a normal pair of socks but in reality they preventive elastic stockings they are a particular type of garment designed to guarantee greater pressure than traditional ones. Over the years, trade in this item has increased considerably
both for medical reasons and for reasons of an increase in demand. In fact, unlike typical ones, compression stockings have a containing action exerting more force on the legs, with the aim of facilitating blood circulation. The lower limbs are subject to ailments such as fatigue due to sport or the ailments that inevitably come with age. The preventive elastic stockings in fact, they were invented to prevent the formation of real pathologies such as venous thrombosis, which perhaps began with a banal sensation of heaviness or swelling.
How preventative elastic stockings work
The functioning of compression stockings is explained by the name itself: these are therapeutic devices designed with specific materials capable of compressing the leg more than usual. The higher pressure favors the return of blood to the heart, an event which, when this does not happen, can give rise to venous insufficiency. This type of stockings are also called graduated because the force exerted by them occurs gradually: in the ankle area it is calculated at around 100%, while it decreases by up to 40% moving upwards in the calf area. This graduated effect, i.e. the gradual reduction of pressure that is exerted from bottom to top, is what allows the blood to return to the heart.
Some practical advice on how to wear preventative stockings are to wear them without creases forming: it seems silly but it is necessary to keep the fabric well adherent to the skin. Furthermore, the product must dry naturally, without using machines or coming into contact with heat sources.
Why wear preventative elastic stockings?
Varicose veins are a disorder easy to spot: it is the visible enlargement of the veins on the legs. They manifest themselves mostly in the hottest periods of the year or when you are forced to stand for long periods of time, when it is not a pathology. Varicose veins are not a serious condition, however the symptoms naturally include a feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling of the ankles and feet, burning pain throughout the limb, as well as dryness, itching or even muscle cramps.
In addition to the canonical measures, such as periodically carrying out physical exercise, avoiding an upright position for too many hours, the preventive elastic stockings they are considered a valid alternative to very annoying medical or surgical therapies that are undoubtedly more invasive. It is advisable to undergo treatment with this type of stocking for at least 6 months, always remembering to remove them at night.
The size of the socks is calculated based on the compression exerted on the leg, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). There are four classes available on the market, each indicated according to the type of disorder. For example, socks between 15 and 21 mmHg are more suitable for those suffering from varicose veins at an initial level; the 18/22 mmHg class instead for those who suffer from mild chronic insufficiency while a 22/27 mmHg class is highly recommended in cases of venous insufficiency, as post-operative care or to prevent thrombosis.
The preventive stocking models on the market
Preventive, graduated compression, antithrombus stockings, medical or support stockings: the name of the product also varies depending on the specific function it performs, although it falls into the same category as graduated compression stockings. There are numerous companies that have chosen to dedicate themselves to the production of socks and seamless tights, that particular technique that does not involve visible stitching in the garments. The options to choose from are therefore various and we can find tights, hold-ups, leggings, knee-highs and socks on the market.
Usually the length of preventive elastic stockings it reaches up to the knee since the most stressed part is the calves and such a diversified choice is capable of reaching a wider clientele, with more needs. In fact, it is possible to wear a hold-up stocking even in autumn and winter; the leggings model is undoubtedly easier and more practical to wear as it does not have the part into which to insert the feet. The knee socks, on the other hand, are particularly dedicated to the ankles as well as being a unisex garment.
