Monday, June 28, 2010

Feel Confident in Varicose Veins Stockings

I’ve always been really proud of my legs and would always wear short skirts. I used to teach ballroom dancing, bartend, waitress, and work as a receptionist in a doctor’s office, among other jobs, and I always wore heels and showed off my shapely calves.

I started to develop varicose veins a few years ago, and it came as a shock, even though I was aware of a family history of this condition. I was only in my 40s, and the prospect of having to wear varicose veins stockings was scary to me. I was very self-conscious about how my legs looked so I changed the way I dressed – but didn’t feel half as sexy or confident in slacks. The worse thing, though, was the discomfort, not the appearance; when I was bartending, my legs would start to swell and it was a challenge to stay on my feet during my shift.

My varicose veins weren’t bad enough to require surgery, but I knew that I needed to wear compression socks to help me stay comfortable – even though I was worried about them being ugly. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of varicose veins stockings that are available. They relieve the swelling in my legs, and actually look much like regular stockings. I’m wearing skirts again and feeling confident.

Monday, June 21, 2010

I Love My Maternity Support Girdle

I used a maternity support girdle when I was pregnant with my first child, and it was a blessing. I was a little resistant to the idea at first – after all, women have been having babies for centuries without this form of abdominal support – but as soon as I put it on, it felt right.

I’ve always been a jogger, and before I started using the maternity girdle, I felt naked and could feel a weight pressing on my bladder – it also didn't seem very safe for bub to be bouncing around without any support. With the support belt, I jogged with my Labrador for a few miles every day and felt completely protected – there was no pressure on my abdomen, lower back or legs.

Pregnancy belts are worn under your clothes (or over your pants, if you prefer) and they hide well – when I was wearing them, no one could tell! They’re very streamlined so they really don’t make your tummy look even bigger than it really is. And my doctor said a maternity support girdle would help my body recover more quickly after pregnancy since it reduces stretching of abdominal muscles.

Monday, June 14, 2010

What are Diabetic Compression Socks?

Diabetic Jobst support socks are thick and soft, lightweight and seamless, and are specially designed for people with diabetes or special needs such as those with nerve damage or tendency towards feet swelling due to poor circulation.

Diabetic socks can be made of 100% cotton or synthetic fibers, or a blend of both, and contain only a minimal amount of compression – just enough to keep them up all day. Unlike regular socks, they contain a comfortable elastic stretch top and no toe seams to allow for maximum circulation. They are made with breathable materials to draw heat away from the feet to prevent or reduce swelling.

Diabetic socks provide extra cushioning for the heel and toes, and are designed to be wrinkle-free so that there’s no bunching, which can place pressure on parts of the feet. Diabetes compression socks sometimes have an anti-microbial treatment built-in to prevent accumulation of bacteria and possible infection.

There are diabetic support socks for men, women and children, which are available in casual, sports and dress styles in a range of lengths (ankle-length, quarter length, and mid-calf). It’s important to purchase good-quality support socks from a trusted medical and compression socks manufacturer to ensure best results.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Accessories for Compression Socks

There are many accessories to help make it easier for you to don and doff your compression socks and varicose veins stockings.

Slip On Butler – A slip-on stand is the easy way to put your compression socks on in the morning. Simply slip the sock on the stand, and then insert your foot straight into the sock.

Compression Sock Aid Oval Extensor – This wire extensor is perfect for people with arthritis and limited bending capabilities to put on support socks.

Donning Rubber Gloves – Support socks are made of delicate material, so for a practical and protective way to put on your support socks, use donning rubber gloves.

It Stays Body Adhesive – If you want to make sure your support stockings stay put all day, try this non-irritating body adhesive to keep your stockings up without the need for garters.

Butler Off Doffing Aid – This doffing aid protects the stocking’s fabric and your skin when you remove compression socks. Simply slide the aid into your compression stocking, push it down to your heal, and slide the stocking off.

Mediven Leg Creams and Gels – Specially formulated creams and gels help tired legs recuperate and regenerate. Simply apply the formula to your legs at night after you remove your compression socks.