People who suffer from a varicose vein can see a prominently visible vein underneath the skin surface. These veins are swollen and sometimes painful. The condition can affect your daily life too. With compression stockings, you can reduce the pain and appearance that arise due to varicose veins.

What are Graduated compression stockings (GCS)?

GCS are stretchable stockings that provide gentle pressure on your calves and ankles to aid proper venous return and reduce pain and decrease chances of blood clot formation (DVT). These stockings are elastic in nature designed especially to promote better blood circulation and prevent a lot of health issues like

• Varicose veins
• Spider veins
• Chronic venous insufficiency

The pressure applied by these stockings on legs and ankles flattens the surface veins and it is between 20 to 30 mm Hg, which is more at ankle and gradually decreases towards calf. Because of that only it is called as Graduated compression stockings (GCS). It aids the proper functioning of vein valve and allows blood flow to the heart without any hindrance.

Benefits of using Graduated compression stockings (GCS)

You can reap several benefits offered by compression stockings, especially in conditions that irk venous conditions like

• Pregnancy
• Sitting or standing for long hours
• Traveling for long hours in the vehicle with less legroom
• Long duration air travel/flight (>6-8 hours)

In case the result of your diagnosis shows vein-related issues, then Graduated compression stockings (GCS) can be helpful to eradicate the following symptoms

• Restless legs
• Heavy/aching legs
• Night cramps
• Swollen ankles
• Pain & fatigue

Risks associated with Graduated compression stockings (GCS)

As compression stockings are designed to fit in tightly for the person wearing them, they may be a little tricky to put on. Also, you need to keep your legs dry and thoroughly clean. If you have applied any lotion to the affected area, let it get absorbed into your skin before you wear the stockings.

If person is having any arterial insufficiency or lack of blood circulation in leg, then GCS should be avoided as it can cause more problem.

Some people can develop following side effects on wearing Graduated compression stockings (GCS) for longer duration,like

• Skin irritation/Rashes
• Broken skin
• Uneasiness
• Dents in the skin which may be temporary

Wearing stockings for a longer period can result in some negative effects. Hence, stockings (GCS) should be worn during day time or while doing activity, prolong standing, sitting and remove your stockings during night to monitor for any above-mentioned effects.

Make sure that you use Graduated compression stockings (GCS) only after consulting your physician or Vascular Surgeon. As GCS are available in different sizes and lengths, you need a pair that fits your legs. Only a nurse or doctor can help you get the appropriate size of Graduated compression stockings (GCS)that fits your legs.