Compression stockings for leg deep vein thrombosis
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Compression stockings for leg deep vein thrombosis
Specially fitted compression stockings are designed to treat or help prevent blood clots from developing in deep leg veins. These stockings are available from a medical supply store with a doctor's prescription or over the counter at some pharmacies.
There are generally two types of compression stockings used for leg deep vein thrombosis. The type recommended will usually be based upon one of two treatment goals, which are:
- To relieve symptoms associated with existing deep leg vein thrombosis, especially swelling and pain, and prevent postthrombotic syndrome. This type of stocking may also help prevent additional clots from forming, although this is not its primary function.
- To reduce the risk of developing deep leg vein thrombosis in people who are at high risk. This kind of compression stocking is less expensive than those used to help treat existing deep leg vein thrombosis.
Compression stockings are tight at the feet with a gradually looser fit on the leg (graduated compression). They are as thick as two pairs of regular panty hose and cover the leg from the arch of your foot to just below or above your knee. Compression stockings are also available as panty hose or trouser socks.
Compression stockings have disadvantages. They can be uncomfortable when worn all day. They are hot and may be difficult to put on, especially for older adults, people who are overweight, and people with arthritis.
Although medical professionals do not agree on the usefulness of compression stockings to treat deep leg vein thrombosis, stockings may be recommended. A recent study showed that these stockings can cut your chance of developing postthrombotic syndrome nearly in half.1
References
Citations
Prandoni P, et al. (2004). Below-knee elastic compression stockings to prevent the post-thrombotic syndrome. Annals of Internal Medicine, 141(4): 249–256.
Credits
| Author | Colleen Cronin |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology |
| Last Updated | January 26, 2006 |
| Last updated: | January 26, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail |
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