| Designed with the promotion of circulation in the | | | | and move around. People who spend a lot of time |
| legs in mind, support stockings do so by variably | | | | on their feet find the added support from these |
| compressing one's leg and forcing the blood flow | | | | support stockings make their legs feel much |
| deeply in to the leg. This stimulates the blood to | | | | better and help to reduce their risk of varicose |
| circulate better in the leg. These may also be | | | | veins. Athletes often wear these to improve their |
| known as compression stockings or compression | | | | performance. |
| hose. | | | | As with any product of this nature, one should |
| The amount of compression these stockings | | | | always consult a doctor before beginning to wear |
| provide classifies them into the different grades | | | | these stockings. A doctor will be able to advise |
| available on the market. Most local drug stores | | | | you on the correct grade to use, whether or not |
| and prescription centers offer a low grade of | | | | using them would be safe for you, as well as |
| support stockings that can be bought over the | | | | when and where you should wear them. |
| counter. To receive the adequate compression it | | | | Stockings come in a variety of styles. Short |
| would be recommended to be professionally fitted | | | | socks, knee highs, and full pantyhose stockings |
| for these after obtaining a prescription. These can | | | | are available. In the past these were generally |
| be dangerous if not used properly. This is why the | | | | unattractive and thick but manufacturers are |
| higher grades are not sold over the counter and | | | | producing a much more attractive product now |
| require a prescription. A prescription for these | | | | that resembles hosiery and socks. They also now |
| support garments can be obtained through a | | | | come in various colors so they can be |
| doctor's office, a hospital, physical therapy clinic, or | | | | coordinated to any attire. |
| at the prescription counter at a pharmacy. | | | | These types of stockings are not recommended |
| These support garments are useful for a number | | | | for diabetic use. Special support products are |
| of conditions such as management of large scars, | | | | available for diabetics. Products termed diabetic |
| recovery from surgery, edema, clotting, and | | | | socks or diabetic stockings work somewhat |
| varicose veins. These support stockings are a | | | | differently that support hose. Wearing regular |
| part of a medical program as with deep vein | | | | support hose can cause a diabetic patient to have |
| thrombosis where the patient wears these | | | | circulation problems. |
| stockings for prevention but still needs to get up | | | | |