I know! Most people find it hard to get excited about support stockings, but don’t complain about them just yet! When I say support stockings, most people sigh. However, they are not nearly as bad as they used to be. Here are some rebuttals to common complaints about support stockings.
Support stockings are ugly. There are many more cosmetically acceptable options, including ones that look like dress socks for men and ones that look like pantyhose for women. Plus, they have super cute fluorescent ones for exercise that are quite stylish for athletes.
Support stockings are too hard to get on. There are several tricks for this. Most commonly, I recommend the Butler Application Aid and rubber gloves. Include
There are too many choices. How do I know what kind to get? Support stockings come in various strengths, known as mmHg. This stands for millimeters of mercury, which is a measure of how much pressure will be exerted on the legs to encourage blood flow back to the heart. The higher the strength, the more effective they are. However, in people with arterial disease can’t have it too strong, or it will cut off healthy blood flow. Support stockings can worsen arterial disease, and should only be worn for venous disease, not arterial disease. If you don’t know which you have, your PCP can order an ultrasound. Dr. Rosenberger commonly prescribes 20-30mmHg.
Support stockings are uncomfortable and hot. I can’t fix the hot part. When people have swelling in their legs and trouble with their veins, they need to wear support stockings to encourage blood to flow back to the heart from the legs in a natural way. Patients who wear stockings regularly generally find that their legs feel better while wearing them after a short adjustment period. Most of the problems with stockings being uncomfortable are that they are ill-fitting. It is important that you get your stockings from someone experienced in measuring and fitting.
There are no longer any places in Fairmont that do fittings for support stockings. Here are some locations in surrounding areas.
Bridgeport – Allied Health Solutions, St Josephs Hospital Home Medical Equipment . Located at 129 East Main Street Bridgeport. Toll free 1-833-988-4663
Morgantown – Mon Health Supply, located at Business Park Drive Morgantown. Phone 304-285-2700.
Here are some other helpful hints to get your stockings….
- Take your prescription to the store. Call ahead and make sure they will have someone available to measure you. YOU MAY NEED AN APPOINTMENT!
- Go and have your legs measured in the MORNING when your legs are their smallest.
- They will order them. It may take a FEW WEEKS to get them.
- Many insurance companies will not pay for your stockings. However, Dr. Rosenberger would be happy to fill out whatever forms needed, if you have a medical problem requiring stockings.
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