COMPRESSION GARMENTS IN SIMCOE

Compression garments are medically graded clothing which provide a specific type of pressure to your body. They most common types are compression socks or compression stockings, or compression sleeves.

Compression stockings or compression socks are an elastic device that works by applying controlled pressure to your legs. By applying this pressure to your legs, this compresses the veins, which helps improve blood circulation back to the heart!

When we have healthy legs (and veins) our veins carry blood from our extremities, back to our heart. Our veins have valves in them that ensure blood flows in one direction. If the vein walls or valves are not functioning properly, we can get pooling of blood in our lower extremity creating swelling and varicosity, this is called venous insufficiency. The most common treatment for this chronic venous disease is compression socks.

Compression Sleeves work similarly to the socks, but they are fit to your arms. These are most common in patients who have lymphedema as a result of breast cancer.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you could be at risk of venous disease:

• Tired, aching legs

• Swollen ankles

• Spider jeins or varicose veins

• Sitting or standing for long periods of time

• Traveling long distances

• If you are pregnant