Do a Body Good with Fun Compression Hose

Compression hose often come in colors from the "boring" palette of navy, black, white, and taupe. Support socks might be recommended for anyone with poor circulation, from older people to pregnant women to those recovering from surgery to diabetics. The compression improves blood flow, prevents moderate leg swelling, and relieves and rejeuvenates tired or aching legs and calves. They are sometimes also used in sports and can be a great help on the golf course where long walks and periods of standing can lead to fatigue.

But for too long these vital wardrobe items have been treated as strictly functional items, and not as potential fashion accessories.

Thankfully, the new styles of compression socks are vivid and fun and come in every shade of the rainbow, from an audacious bright orange to a hot neon pink. The highly-popular Jobst support socks are also available in sheer and sexy styles.You won't want to hide them under a long skirt or pants! Show off your well-supported legs in a short skirt or shorts and strut down the sidewalk (or even just at home) with pizzazz.

Support and compression hose are now even available in fishnet and lace. These are not your grandma's support stockings!

The Dangers of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein. It usually occurs in the leg, though they can occasionally occur in the arms or the pelvis.

Though sometimes occurring without symptoms, a DVT will usually become swollen and painful. Red or discolored skin, as well as a feeling of increased warmth, are also common symptoms.

Of course, since it is technically a blood clot, a DVT has the potential to be lethal. Any time a clot in a vein breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, it has the possibility of reaching the lung. Though not likely, a DVT could potentially enter the bloodstream and lodge in a lung, causing a pulmonary embolism, a serious condition that can cause death.

It has been well-documented that a good compression stocking can be the key to averting circulatory problems such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Since they are tight around the ankle and become looser as they go up the leg, compression stockings cause a gentle pressure up the leg, helping to prevent DVTs and other forms of blood clots.

Someone suffering from DVT should consult their doctor immediately. However, for someone concerned about the dangers of DVT, a pair of 8-15 mmHg or 15-20 mmHg compression stockings will go a long way in helping prevent this unpleasant condition.

Prescription or Non-Prescription Compression Socks?

Sometimes, varicose veins can cause more problems than one initially thinks. In addition to being unsightly, they can increase your chances of stroke related to blood clots. Varicose veins form because of faulty valves in the leg veins. Compression socks and compression hose, like Jobst support socks, are worn to facilitate proper blood flow towards the heart.

But how do you know if you need prescription socks or non-prescription socks? First off, it’s probably best to understand that compression socks don’t cure varicose veins, they just alleviate the symptoms that cause them, providing the wearer with better circulation in the legs. So in order to accurately gauge if your varicose vein problem is serious enough for prescription socks, it’s best to see a doctor or vein specialist. Prescription compression socks are hose are much like the OTC compression hose and socks, but they are tighter, making the treatment much stronger. If you don’t want to see a specialist right away, it’s best to try out regular compression socks and see if they make a difference. If you wear them for a few weeks and haven’t noticed a difference in your symptom, then you should take your concerns to a medical professional.

Benefits of Wearing A Pregnancy Belt

We’re well versed on the benefits of wearing seat belts, but most expectant mothers aren’t familiar with the health benefits associated with wearing a maternity support belt. Here’s what to expect: A strong, elastic brace sits around your back and under the belly to create a maternity support girdle by buttressing the bodily strain of pregnancy weight.

How Can A Pregnancy Belt Help?

• Support. A maternity support belt assists the lower back in managing the weight of a mother’s stomach during the course of her pregnancy. The extra pounds greatly strain lower back muscles. Wearing a pregnancy belt alleviates direct stress on the back by structurally mitigating the way weight is carried.
• Protect. A woman’s abdominal muscles are also compromised during the course of pregnancy. Not only does a maternity support belt protect the lower back from strain, but it also functions to compress the lower abdomen, protecting abdominal muscles from unhealthy stretching and tearing.
• Recover. In preventing pain and muscle strain by deflecting the pressure of pregnancy, a maternity support girdle sets up new mothers for a speedy post-partum recovery. Through the benefits of compression, wearing a pregnancy belt post-delivery can heal overworked muscles, and help your body bounce back into shape sooner.