Compression Garments: A Guide to Leg Relief!

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  • Do you stand all day at work and come home with aching feet?
  • Do you take long airline flights on a regular basis?
  • Have your feet become sore and swollen due to your pregnancy?
  • Do you have circulation issues due to a past deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or diabetes?
  • Do you want to try and get rid of those unsightly varicose veins?
  • Do you want to perform better in the gym and recover faster on your days off?

 

You’ve come to the right place! Bremo Pharmacy sells a multitude of compression garments in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Our expert staff can help answer any questions you might have, and help pick out the right compression for you. This quick guide will give you the basics of compression garments and put you on the right track towards happier legs!

 

What types of compression garments are there?

Compression garments are tight, compressive forms of clothing, often made from elastin and nylon. Essentially, they are snug fitting “leg socks” that gently squeeze your legs through compression. Compression is normally tightest at the ankles and gradually become less constrictive toward the knees and thighs.1 The pressure these stockings put on your legs can help your blood vessels work more efficiently. By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, they force circulating blood through narrowing channels. This results in arterial pressure increase, which facilitates more blood to return to the heart and less blood available to pool in the feet.1

 

What can you use compression for?

  • Athletics and muscle recovery
  • Long flights (sitting)
  • Working (standing) for long periods
  • Post-surgery
  • People who are bedridden
  • People at risk for circulation problems such as DVT, varicose veins, or diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Edema
  • Phlebitis

 

Different types of compression garments?

Compression stockings come in a wide range of strengths, colors, fabric types, and lengths.3 Bremo carries both knee high and thigh high stockings that come in multiple colors and styles. Our certified staff can help you find the exact fit that works best for you and your lifestyle. Compression garments come in various “strengths” of compression, some over the counter and some requiring a doctor’s prescription:

 

Compression Range Common uses and Applications
8-15 mmHg (Light) Support for tired, heavy, achy legs.

Commonly used for individuals that sit or stand for extended periods. Bremo does not sell this strength because they are not medical grade, but they can be easily found through mass merchandisers.  
15-20 mmHg (Mild) Mild support for ankle and leg swelling, mild discomfort.

Commonly used for travel, mild edema, pregnancy, spider and varicose veins.
20-30 mmHg (Moderate)

Prescription Needed

 Moderate support for ankle and leg swelling, moderate discomfort.

Commonly used for moderate edema, lymphedema, DVT, post surgical applications, pregnancy, and other conditions as recommended by a physician.
30-40 mmHg (Firm)

Prescription Needed

 Firm support for severe varicose veins, advanced venous deficiencies, and other complicated conditions as recommended by a physician.

Table modified from www.RejuvaHealth.com

 

 

Compression socks are much different than buying regular socks so let Bremo help you find the perfect fit. Bremo Pharmacy has a large selection of compression socks in various styles, colors, and sizes. If we don’t have exactly what you need in the pharmacy, we can order it from our specialty supplier! Appointments for fittings are available with one of our nationally certified technicians 9:30 to 11:30 am Monday through Friday. Compression fittings are best performed in the morning hours because leg swelling is the least in the morning and allows for the most accurate measurements.4 Call us to schedule your appointment today by dialing 804-288-8361 Ext 134 to speak with one of our wonderful Bremo Pharmacy staff!

 

Bremo links:

How-to put-on compression stockings.

https://bremorx.com/how-to-use-and-wear-compression-stockings/

 

Make an appointment!

https://bremorx.com/services/foot-leg-health/support-hose-compression-socks/

 

Outside Link

https://www.cardiosmart.org/healthwise/tn80/48/tn8048

 

Sources

  1. https://www.scienceforsport.com/compression-garments/
  2. https://www.webmd.com/dvt/choose-compression-stockings#1
  3. http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/over-counter-products/article/rough-guide-compression-stockings
  4. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/an-overview-of-compression-hosiery
  5. https://www.rejuvahealth.com/compression-level

 

Author:
Alex Perry, PharmD Candidate 2019

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