Support hose, also known as compression stockings, are specialized garments designed to apply gentle pressure to the legs. This graduated pressure is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg, which helps improve blood flow. Their primary purpose is to assist the circulatory system in returning blood and lymph fluid from the lower extremities back towards the heart, working against gravity. This mechanism helps reduce swelling, alleviate discomfort, and prevent blood from pooling in the veins.
Daily Wear Recommendations
For general prevention or to manage mild swelling, support hose are recommended for daily wear, from morning until bedtime. It is best to put them on first thing in the morning, before significant swelling develops. This timing is effective because legs are usually least swollen after a night of rest, when gravity has not yet exerted its full effect.
Removing support hose at night allows the skin to breathe and recover, as the body’s position during sleep naturally facilitates blood and lymph drainage. This routine helps maintain consistent support throughout active hours when prolonged standing or sitting can contribute to fluid pooling. For individuals with extended periods of standing or sitting, such as certain professions or long-distance travel, this daily regimen helps mitigate leg fatigue and swelling.
Extended Use for Medical Conditions
The duration for wearing support hose can extend for individuals managing specific medical conditions, often requiring continuous or long-term use. Following surgical procedures, wear time varies based on the type of surgery and individual mobility. After major orthopedic surgeries like knee or hip replacement, support hose might be worn for two to six weeks. Vascular surgeries, such as those for varicose veins, may necessitate wear for two to six weeks, or sometimes longer, to aid healing and prevent complications. In some post-surgical scenarios, particularly when mobility is limited, continuous wear, even overnight, may be recommended to help prevent blood clot formation.
For DVT management or prevention, support hose are often prescribed for at least one to two years following diagnosis. This extended period aims to reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome, a condition characterized by chronic leg pain and swelling. Individuals with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or lymphedema often require daily, long-term, or even lifelong wear of support hose to manage persistent swelling and improve circulation. During long-distance travel, wearing support hose for the entire duration of the trip and a few hours afterward is advised to prevent swelling and minimize the risk of DVT due to prolonged immobility.
Knowing When to Modify or Stop Use
Determining when to adjust or discontinue support hose use requires careful consideration and medical guidance. A healthcare provider’s advice is important for any changes to a prescribed wear regimen, especially for medically necessary use. While symptom resolution, such as a decrease in swelling or discomfort, might suggest a reduced need, independent decisions to stop wearing them are not advised.
Be aware of signs indicating an improper fit or adverse reactions, which necessitate consulting a doctor. These signs include new or worsening pain, numbness, tingling sensations, or persistent skin irritation such as redness, itching, or dryness. Discoloration of the skin, such as purple or blue hues, or persistent coldness in the feet, also signal that the hose might be too tight and could be impeding circulation.
If support hose bunch up or roll down, or if swelling appears below the stocking line, this suggests a poor fit that needs professional assessment. Changes in activity levels or overall health status can also influence the ongoing need for support hose, underscoring the importance of periodic review with a healthcare professional. Regular replacement of support hose, typically every three to six months, is also important as their compression effectiveness can diminish over time.