Compression garments often relieve pain, prevent swelling, and improve circulation. They can be applied to the fingers, hands, feet, arms, legs, torso, neck, or head. They are used in acute injury or illness cases and chronic injuries or conditions that have worsened over time.
Medical compression garments are made of elastic fabrics that provide even pressure across the skin. This low-level pressure can have several benefits, such as the following:
Prevent Swelling
Compression garments help reduce swelling by compressing the muscles and veins in extremities, decreasing the amount of blood flowing through them. They also help prevent blood clots from forming when we walk long distances because they avoid accumulating extra blood in our legs, which can cause severe problems if not addressed.
Reduces Pain
Many people who suffer from chronic pain find relief when they wear compression stockings. These devices reduce swelling and inflammation in your body, decreasing pain significantly.
Decreases Risk of Infection
Compression stockings can reduce the risk of infection by spreading bacteria and acting as a barrier to prevent wounds from being exposed or exposed to diseases.
Compression stockings are suggested to reduce the risk of infection by up to 80%. Studies have shown that wearing compression stockings for 24 hours reduces the risk of disease by 60%, and wearing them for 48 hours reduces it by 80%.
Improves Circulation
These garments help by increasing blood flow in the body by compressing the area so that it does not impede movement. They compress your veins and arteries to allow blood to flow better. This helps in improving circulation and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Compression stockings are commonly used by people with conditions such as venous insufficiency, venous ulcers, and lymphedema due to improved circulation and reduced swelling.
Provides Support
Compression garments can also support patients who have suffered bone fractures or joint replacement surgery. They give the muscles extra support post-surgery to ensure everything heals correctly.
Decrease in Scarring
Scarring is when dead tissue is replaced by new living tissue. Due to the presence of collagen, which provides elasticity and thickness, there are two types of scarring: those with cuts and those without reductions. Compression stockings work by decreasing the depth of cuts and increasing collagen levels, which help improve the healing process.
Compression stockings can reduce superficial scars but won’t change deep scars. However, compression stockings can also be used as a prevention tool to avoid getting a deep spot in the first place.
Should You be Utilizing Compression Garments?
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms or diseases affecting swelling, circulation, or pain, you would likely benefit from medical compression garments. Speak with your doctor today about how these garments can help you.
