Compression Therapy
What is Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy is an effective and simple method for improving blood flow in the lower legs by providing support to the veins. It is a wound care technique that involves the gentle application of pressure to the legs and ankles using specially designed stockings. These stockings gradually stretch the vein walls and enhance overall blood circulation, helping to alleviate pain, swelling, and discomfort in the lower legs.
Types of Compression Therapy
- Compression stockings are the most commonly used method of compression therapy.
- Compression bandages or wraps are also common alternatives.
- Other forms of compression therapy include mechanical compression devices, such as compressed air devices or wearable compression boots.
Indications for Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is primarily indicated for individuals with chronic venous disease. This condition can result from one or more of the following factors:
- Obesity or excessive weight gain
- Leg injury or surgery
- Blood clots in the veins
- Prolonged periods of standing or sitting without movement
- Lymphedema
- Varicose veins
- Pregnancy
Common Conditions Treated with Compression Therapy
Some of the common, chronic conditions that can be treated with compression therapy include:
Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lower limbs, ankles, or other regions. Applying gentle pressure with compression stockings or support hose can help reduce swelling.
CVI is a condition where veins have difficulty returning blood from the limbs to the heart. When blood collects and pools in the leg veins due to impaired circulation, it’s called venous stasis. CVI is associated with varicose veins and often causes swelling and pain in the legs. It affects nearly 20% of men and 40% of women over the age of 50.
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the legs or thighs. Clots form when blood thickens and clumps together.
Leg ulcers are open sores or wounds on the legs, commonly caused by diabetes. They are also linked to poor blood circulation and varicose veins. Special compression bandages and stockings can be effective in treating and preventing recurrence.
Working Mechanism of Compression Therapy
A standard compression stocking is typically made of elastic material and is worn from the ankle up the leg. These stockings provide graduated compression, with the strongest support at the ankles that gradually decreases toward the top of the legs. The controlled pressure helps contract areas with restricted blood flow, allowing veins to open up. This, in turn, increases blood circulation in the legs and improves blood return to the heart. Enhanced blood flow helps reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort in the lower legs.
Benefits of Compression Therapy
Some of the benefits of compression therapy include:
1
Management of varicose veins
2
Prevention of lower limb swelling
3
Prevention of venous thromboembolism or DVT
4
Improved healing of ulcers in the lower limbs
5
Limited recurrence of leg ulcers
6
Maintenance treatment for lymphedema
7
Alleviation of chronic venous insufficiency
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- © Dr. Neil Desai, Vascular Surgeon Cypress, Houston, TX