Compression stockings are often prescribed by doctors for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, lymphedema and deep-vein thrombosis. They're especially helpful in preventing blood clots during long periods of sitting in airplanes and cars. Styles include knee socks, thigh-high stockings and pantyhose. They are tighter at the ankle, which promotes blood flow through the veins and are classified by pressure range, measured in mmHg, with 8 to 15 mmHg being the loosest and 50-plus mmHg being the tightest.
Brick-and-Mortar Stores
Most drug stores such as CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens, as well as department stores such as Walmart and Target, offer compression socks. Look for them in the medical supplies section with product titles such as "anti-embolism stockings," "therapeutic support," "support stockings" or "medical-style stockings." You can also look for the brands that carry compression stockings, such as Jobst, Sigvaris, Juzo, Mediven, Activa, Theraform, Truform and Futuro. Avoid products that are labeled TED stockings, as these are for non-ambulatory convalescing patients to prevent blood clots. As of August, 2009, prices for compression socks typically start around $8 to $10 but can be more expensive, depending upon the type, with tighter compression and thigh-high styles being the most expensive.
Online Stores
Many of the manufacturers of compression socks sell their products over the Internet, so you can check directly with the company names mentioned above, such as Jobst. There are also online stores that cater specifically to leg-support and sell products by several of these companies. Examples of such online stores are Healthy Legs and For Your Legs. You can usually find a much wider variety of compression socks and hosiery via the online stores, both in style and in the range of mmHg. Note that the highest mmHg socks should be reserved for patients who have already suffered blood clots, as they may not be necessary for general travel and can be uncomfortable to wear if you're not used to them. For clot prevention during travel, look for a product like Mediven's 15-20 mmHg Travel Socks designed specifically for that purpose.
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