Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a condition where blood clots form in the legs’ veins. To tackle the problem, compression stockings are available in the market. Unlike ordinary socks, they are made using a unique fabric to squeeze the leg gently. The pressure soothes the region and promotes blood circulation to relieve blood clots. Read on to know more about the working and benefits of compression stockings for DVT.

How do compression stockings work?
Blood clots form in the veins when blood flow stops or slows down due to a particular reason, such as thickening of blood cells, narrow veins, low blood pressure, etc. The blood forms a tiny gel-like clump. Here’s where compression stockings come into the picture. They exert pressure in the region and gently squeeze the leg to push the blood forward. It also provides a soothing effect that relieves pain and swelling that may not be associated with DVT or blood clots.

Here’s another thing to note: compression socks come in different sizes and lengths, and picking the right one is essential. Wearing loose-fitting socks will not work, and those that are too tight can aggravate DVT symptoms. So it is better to consult a doctor if one cannot decide the right size for them.

Benefits of compression stockings for DVT
The following are the three best benefits of wearing the socks:

1. Prevents clotting of blood after surgery
The risk of blood clots increases significantly after surgery. They can also develop if a person has been on bed rest for many days. In such cases, doctors recommend wearing compression stockings. These stockings improve blood flow even when one is not moving a lot, preventing the risk of blood clotting.

2. Relieves pain caused by blood clotting
The blood clots resulting from DVT may damage the nerves in the legs, leading to severe pain, swelling, skin discoloration, and sores. The pain can be unbearable, especially when walking or moving about. Thankfully, compression stockings can help. The gentle massage that the socks provide can relieve pain, swelling, and other symptoms. The best part, you can wear it anywhere you go.

3. Provides relief from post-thrombotic syndrome
Post-thrombotic syndrome, or PTS, is a condition that usually occurs a few weeks after DVT blood clots heal. It is characterized by chronic pain and swelling in the region that was affected by the blood clot. Unfortunately, PTS is a life-long ailment, which means it can only be managed and not cured. Here again, compression stockings relieve the symptoms and help patients resume their daily activities.

Compression socks help relieve the symptoms of blood clotting or DVT, but that’s not all. These stockings are even worn by athletes, pregnant women, diabetics, or those who spend extended hours sitting in one place. This is because such individuals are at a higher risk of developing circulation problems. The stockings soothe the feet and provide a massage-like effect, keeping issues at bay.