Compression Stockings

Most of us are unaware of the deterioration in our lower limb venous system until it is too late, but these problems can be prevented and treated by wearing compression socks.

Circumstances such as pregnancy and sedentary office work environments often make our blood pool near our feet due to gravity, causing our veins to stretch until they eventually lose the elasticity needed to push the blood back to our heart. As we age, these damages manifest as varicose veins, spider veins, and swollen feet or ankles.

Compression stockings are equipped with a gradual compression system that prevents blood from pooling and help return your blood back to the heart.

Doctors also recommend wearing these stockings for long airplane rides to prevent the formation of blood clots due to long periods of inactivity.

Common Causes of Venous Disorder

Hereditary weakness of the connective tissue
Hormonal effects such as the pill or pregnancy
Overweight, Tight clothing
Lack of physical exercise/activity
Regular prolonged sitting and standing
Nicotine and alcohol consumption
Lifting and carrying excessively heavy load
Hot baths and lengthy sunbathing sessions in summer

First Signs of Venous Disorder

Tired, heavy or swollen legs
Sensation of heat in your legs
Tingling, cramp or feeling of tension
Dragging pain in the calf
Swollen ankles
Rupture of small veins immediately below the skin of the calf or thigh

There are health professionals out there that offer care for the feet and ankles, including general practitioners or alternative medicine providers. These professionals are only trained in the basics of foot and ankle care. A chiropodist receives years of extensive training focusing on the foot and ankle region. Alternative medicine providers or wellness practitioners don’t have the capacity to prescribe certain orthotics either.

Chiropodists will have much better training and in the diagnosis, adjustment, troubleshooting of prescribing for all things involved for your feet; including custom orthotics.

Because the foot and ankle region is so complex, it is important to seek advice from a professional with focused training. If you notice pain, swelling or discomfort in your feet or ankles, a chiropodist can determine and treat the issue for long-term relief.