Before discussing the uses and benefits of compression socks for DVT, let’s first talk about the condition. DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis is a severe disease that occurs when a blood clot develops in the veins deep within the body.
DVT: An Overview
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when blood clots are formed in the deep veins. The clots can develop anywhere in the body, but lower legs or the thighs are commonly affected by this disease. When a blood clot or a part of it breaks free, travels through the bloodstream and into the lungs, it can obstruct and block the artery. That is why if DVT is left untreated, it can prove to be fatal.
Compression socks for DVT can help manage the symptoms and even prevent the progression of the condition. Compression socks are also recommended by doctors to prevent the condition from occurring in the first place.
Once you acknowledge the causes and symptoms of DVT, avoiding this fatal venous disorder or dealing with other vein-related problems altogether becomes easier. So, here are the symptoms and causes of DVT, we can then discuss the best compression socks for DVT.
Causes and Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
The following symptoms are noticeable, but DVT can occur without any noticeable symptoms as well.
- Swelling and pain in the leg.
- Discoloration or redness on the skin of the leg.
- Feeling of warmth in the affected area.
- If the leg feels sore, stiff along with the pain.
Causes of Deep vein thrombosis
The venous disease develops due to damaged veins and improper blood flow or clotting. Therefore, the optimum course of action would be to provide the necessary support to the veins and ensure proper blood circulation. But, first, let’s look at the factors which can contribute to blood clots.
- Obesity or being overweight.
- Smoking increases the risk of DVT.
- Genetics or family history of DVT
- Prolonged best rest- like paralysis or hospital stay
- Pregnancy– as it causes a change in blood consistency and increases the pressure on the veins of the legs.
- Being on contraceptive pills can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Age could be a factor that increases the chances of DVT.
- Cancer or cancer treatments.
- Heart diseases increase the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism as people with heart failure have limited heart and lung function.
- Injury or Surgery
DVT can lead to severe problems, and thus your doctor will suggest DVT compression socks to manage the condition and decrease symptoms and discomfort. However, if you are not familiar with how compression socks for DVT will relieve the pain, here is what you need to know.
How do Compression Socks Work?
Compression socks are specially designed socks to maintain vein health and reduce the risk of developing any venous disorder. It applies the most substantial pressure around the ankles, and then this pressure gradually reduces going up the leg. This graduated nature of the pressure helps push the blood upwards and back towards the heart. Not only do compression stockings increase blood flow, but it reduces swelling and discomfort as well. Compression socks for DVT are particularly recommended by doctors to prevent blood from pooling and clotting. DVT, once treated, can occur again, but using these stockings will reduce the risk of recurrence. If you want to keep your veins healthy, then compression socks are your best bet.
How To Choose Compression Socks For DVT?
Compression socks are available in varying levels or grades of pressure: class 1 and class 2. In addition, your doctor might suggest a compression level depending on the symptoms and severity of your condition.
Compression socks for DVT come in two lengths- below-knee length and thigh length. Again, your doctor can prescribe the type of compression socks based on the location of the affected area.
One of the most important things to consider while choosing compression socks is the size. Wearing the correct size is paramount to receiving the proper compression. Wearing a larger size will prevent you from getting the maximum benefit from the socks. Conversely, wearing a smaller size can result in obstructing your blood circulation even more, making your condition worse!
To find the correct size, you will need your leg measurements. First, refer to the measuring instructions given here. Once you have your measurements, you can select the correct size based on the size chart of the particular product you would like to buy. If you need help with measurements and sizing, contact us at NovoMedshop.
How to Use Compression Socks?
Once you decide on length, size, and types of compression socks, let us focus on how and when to wear them correctly.
We recommend that you put on the compression socks first thing in the morning. Because when you move around during the day, it can cause swelling, making it challenging to put them on later. So, for optimal results, wear the socks in the morning itself.
You may use compression socks for DVT comfortably all day long and remove them before sleeping. We also suggest that you apply some moisturizer on your skin after taking off the stockings at night.
Since compression socks are tight and squeeze your leg throughout the day, they can dry your skin out and cause itching. Applying a moisturizer every night with keeping your skin hydrated and minimize itching.
But be careful! Do not use moisturizer before wearing the socks. It will make your skin sticky and therefore make it harder for your stockings to glide on! In addition, the conditioners present in the moisturizer can even break down the elastic fibers in the socks and shorten their life span.