Just, Uh, Check The Oil, And Then Tighten That Compression Hose...

Compression hose: sounds like something under the hood of a car, right?

Not if you suffer chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, lymphedema, post phlebitic syndrome or blood clots in the leg, it doesn't. In that case, you know that compression hose are a simple and effective way to relieve the legs of some pretty serious pain.

Compression hose are very special, sometimes prescription strength (but not always) long socks, which are worn from the foot to the knee or thigh. The pressure is tighter in the foot and loosens toward the knee. The idea is to reduce the swelling in the feet and also decrease the chance of blood clot formation in the legs.

Quick note: compression hose don't eliminate varicose veins--we wish!--but they do help tremendously to reduce swelling, aching and a feeling of heaviness.

As for how they help you save on gas? Well, hey, when you're more comfortable walking, suddenly a stroll to the corner store sounds better than a drive.

Curing Varicose Veins Stockings: Sorting the Myths from Realities

You've got varicose veins. It can't be denied. You'd like to avoid surgery, but how do you discern which advice to take to cure or slow what's already begun?

Do varicose veins stockings really work?

How about applying apple cider vinegar? (Apple cider vinegar cures pimples, cleans toilets and helps you lose weight, is it some kind of miracle liquid? The nectar of the gods? Why, then, is it so cheap?)

Or eating foods rich in anti-oxidants?

Taking ginkgo supplements?

Vitamin E? Coconut oil? Rubbed before or after you put on your varicose veins stockings?

Verdict: Go ahead and experiment with natural remedies, and keep us posted when things work! All the while, communicate with your doctor.

Most importantly, don't neglect to exercise regularly and keep an eye on your food habits, and to comfort your aching legs, wear varicose veins stockings. Take it from us, they help.

"Back to Normal" Maternity Support Girdle Does What It Claims To

It's funny. I made it through all three trimesters of my pregnancy without a maternity support girdle. I just didn't know about them, actually! My back ached, sure, but it wasn't chief on my mind. I was about to have my first child, and this fact was rocking my world enough that the rest of it all just seemed part and parcel. You should have seen the arrangement of pillows I slept on to be remotely comfortable. I had it down to a science.

Then my son was born. And after the glow of giving birth, finally getting to meet him, my back started to hurt all the time. All the time. I couldn't pick him up without wincing. I was so nervous it was something quite serious that would require surgery. Pinched nerve? I talked to my doctor, and was so relieved when he recommended I try a "Back to Normal" maternity support girdle.

Yes, I thought I was done with maternity clothes, and was so excited to get back into regular clothes again. Ask my husband: my mantra was "waistlines and wedges" for the fall. But this "Back to Normal" maternity support girdle made my life a million times better than a new pair of wedge heels. As in, I was actually comfortable, holding my little baby. I like to think of it as a transitional garment, doing real work helping my tissues heal.

Wedge heels this winter, maybe. But the support I need for as long as it takes.

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.

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.

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.

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.