Elastic Compression Stockings (ECS) apply gradient pressure, which gradually decreases proximally up the leg. Pressure is highest in the ankle region (18 mmHg) and lowest in the thigh region (8-10 mmHg). The circumferential pressure and muscular activity in the limb displaces blood from the superficial to deep venous system via perforating veins reducing venous stasis and the risk of thrombus formation. ECS is usually used in combination with pharmacological methods to help prevent DVT and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
Advantages:
Improper application of compression garments can potentially cause complications such as oedema of the legs, DVT, and arterial ischaemia. Therapists who are not familiar with the application of a strong and well-fitting short stretch bandage, good quality, class II–III compression stockings may be an alternative.
Compression should be recommended at least for 1 year. Then it may be decided if it should be maintained, depending on the residual signs and symptoms
References
Advantages:
- Improve pain
- Improve swelling
- Improve appearance
- Prevent worsening
- Uncomfortable
- Hot
- Constricting
- Poor compliance
- Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease
- Massive leg oedema
- Pulmonary oedema; due to heart failure
- Extreme leg deformity
- Gangrenous conditions affecting the leg
- Vascular disease; due CHF
- Thigh circumference exceeds the specified in the fitting instructions for the type of stocking being used
Improper application of compression garments can potentially cause complications such as oedema of the legs, DVT, and arterial ischaemia. Therapists who are not familiar with the application of a strong and well-fitting short stretch bandage, good quality, class II–III compression stockings may be an alternative.
- Class 1: 14-18 mmHg (Ted hoes) Fashion support hosiery; Antiembolism stockings used to prevent DVT.
- Class 2: 18-24 mmHg Dependant Edema
- Class 3: 25-35 mmHg Most Often Used For Venous Insufficiency
- Class 4: 40-50 mHg Lymphedema
Compression should be recommended at least for 1 year. Then it may be decided if it should be maintained, depending on the residual signs and symptoms
References
- Collier M (1999) Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis:the effectiveness and implications of using below-knee or thigh-length graduated compression stockings.heart and Lung. 30,4, 277-284.
- Kahn SR EE, Rodger MA, and Wells PS. Use of elastic compression stockings after deep venous thrombosis: a comparison of practices and perceptions of thrombosis physicians and patients. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2002(1):500-6.
- McConnell EA (2002) Applying antiembolism stockings. Nursing. 32,4,17.
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2007) Reducing the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism (Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism) in Inpatients Undergoing Surgery. Clinical guideline No. 46. NICE, London.
- Partsch H. Therapy of deep vein thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin, leg compression and immediate ambulation.Vasa. 2001;30:195–204
- Roehling, T. (2012). Vascular Ulcers [narrated PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from mycourses9.atsu.edu.
- Sachdeva A DM, Amaragiri SV, and Lees T. Elastic Compression Stockings for Prevention of Deep Veing Thrombosis (Review). The Cochrane Collaboration2010(7):52.