General Questions concerning Support Hosiery

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General Questions about Support Stockings

Will support socks cut off my circulation?

Will Knee High support socks cut off my circulation?

How long will support stockings last?

What is the best time of day to measure for compression stockings?

What if I only need a support stocking for a condition in one leg?

How many hours each day should I wear my support stockings?

What is the difference between graduated support hose and anti-embolism or T.E.D. hose?

Q.	Will support socks cut off my circulation? Will Knee High support socks cut off my circulation?
A.	No, correctly fitting stockings will not. Our products are made with gradient compression. This means that they are tightest at your ankle and slowly decrease in pressure toward the top of the sock. Because of this, the sock will not restrict your circulation.

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Q.	How long will support stockings last?
A.	This partially depends on how you take care of them. Manufacturers such as Jobst® suggests replacing the socks every four to six months. After that, the elastic in the socks will start to deteriorate and will no longer give the correct compression.

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Q.	What is the best time of day to measure for compression stockings?
A.	We recommend that you take your measurements first thing in the morning before swelling builds in the legs. Measurements taken later in the day after swelling is present may result in choosing a stocking size that is too large.

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Q.	What if I only need a support stocking for a condition in one leg?
A.	Only the leg with the symptoms or disease needs to wear the compression. Some people prefer to wear compression on only the affected leg. Others may decide to wear the same brand of stocking but in a lower compression level on the unaffected or healthy leg. Always verify with your physician that the problem is present in only one leg.

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How many hours each day should I wear my support stockings?

The wearing time for gradient compression stockings is dependent on both the reason for wearing the compression (indication) and the amount of compression (mmHg). An individual's physician or health care practitioner is a good resource for this information.

Here are some general guidelines:

Individuals with chronic venous problems such as venous related leg swelling, skin changes, or varicose veins, generally wear the compression stockings while out of bed (approximately 16 hours/day) and remove them at night.
Immediately following sclerotherapy physicians may instruct individuals to wear a specific level of compression continuously for a specified number of hours or days depending on the size of the veins injected.
Individuals with lymphedema are advised to follow the wearing schedule recommended by their physician or therapist.
Bed-bound patients may be advised by their physician to wear anti-embolism stockings (16-18 mmHg) to help prevent blood clots from forming in the deep veins of the leg.

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What is the difference between graduated support hose and anti-embolism or T.E.D. hose?

Anti-embolism stockings are designed specifically for bed bound (non-ambulatory) patients to help prevent blood from pooling in the veins of the leg. Pooling of blood in the veins of the leg may contribute to blood clots forming in the veins.

Anti-embolism stockings are generally made for short duration of wear during a hospitalization. Anti-embolism stockings deliver gradient compression and, depending on the manufacturer, the compression delivered to the ankle is in the range of 12 - 20 mmHg. These stockings are normally only available in white and have an opening on the underside of the toes which can be uncomfortable while walking.

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Healthy Legs® Jobst. Sigvaris, Medi, and Juzo Retail Fitting Center and support hose super center is located in Portland, Oregon. Our Medi, Sigvaris, and Juzo Certified Fitters are available by phone or e-mail to answer your questions and help you select the correct support hose, support socks, and support stockings. We carry all major brands including Jobst Support Hose and Support Socks, Mediven and Medi USA Support Hose, Sigvaris Support Hose, and Juzo Support Hose. Healthy Legs® has the largest online selection of diabetic socks and medical socks for people with sensitive feet due to diabetes, arthritis, and foot pain. JOBST Total Satisfaction Guarantee Jobst is committed to total satisfaction for its recommenders and wearers. That is why each product comes with our unique Total Satisfaction Guarantee, Jobst® UltraSheer 15-20 Moderate Compression Jobst Opaque 15-20 Moderate Compression Jobst Relief Moderate 15-20 Compression Jobst ActiveWear for Men and Women (15-20) Jobst CasualWear for Women (15-20) Jobst UltraSheer MATERNITY PANTYHOSE - Moderate Compression 15-20mmHg Jobst for Men Over-the-Calf Moderate Compression (15-20) Jobst for Men Thigh High Moderate Compression (15-20) Jobst Relief Moderate 15-20 Compression Jobst ActiveWear for Men and Women (15-20)

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General Questions concerning Support Hosiery