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.
  

Fly Safe with Jobst Support Socks

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially fatal condition where large blood clots form in the legs as a result of periods of immobility, often due to long-distance travel. Older people, smokers, overweight people, pregnant women and people with a history of DVT are particularly at risk. Here are a few tips from the National Institutes of Health for safe long-haul air travel to avoid the chances of developing DVT.

Make sure you do some exercise while on the airplane. Get up and walk up and down the aisle at least every hour, and wiggle your legs, feet and toes while seated to encourage blood flow. Avoid crossing your legs and make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Wear compression socks, as directed by your doctor. Compression socks are a clinically proven aid which helps direct blood flow upwards and out of danger areas. Jobst support socks can help make any long period of travel more comfortable by preventing swelling in the legs.

Finally, drink plenty of water and avoid consuming alcohol. Depending on your individual health needs, your doctor may also recommend taking blood-thinning medication such as aspirin before traveling.

Varicose Veins Stockings for Spring!

Most people with varicose veins know that compression hose can help relieve pain and prevent further vein damage. What they don’t know, however, is that this effect can be achieved without surrendering fashion, even in the spring! Read on for some of our favorite varicose veins stockings for spring.

Grip Top Compression Hose
Spring is a great time to get some exercise, even if it’s just a quick stroll around the block. But the more you walk, the more you need your compression hose to stay in the place! For this, we recommend thigh-high compression hose with grip tops.

Open-Toe Compression Hose
Warm weather is the perfect opportunity to slip into some open-toed heels. For this, all you need is a pair of knee-high or thigh-high compression hose, available from Jobst Support Socks and other brands. These work great whether you’re wearing your shoes under a dress, skirt, or pants.

Sheer Compression Hose
In the spring, it’s best to wear sheer compression hose that match your skin tone. This will make it easy to wear skirts and short pants, as most people won’t even be able to tell you’re wearing stockings at all!

Meet Your New Favorite Maternity Support Belt

Most women know that pregnancy belts can help decrease stretch marks and back pain during pregnancy, however some expecting mothers need more than just support around the belly. This is especially true for mothers pregnant with more than one baby at a time – those twins and triplets can get pretty heavy!

For mothers in search of extra support, the Prenatal Cradle is an excellent option. This maternity support belt is designed with a pregnant woman’s natural stance in mind, ensuring optimum comfort in the abdominal muscles and back. At the same time, the Prenatal Cradle leaves the arms free and improves lower body circulation, allowing expecting mothers to maintain their active lifestyles even into the third trimester.

For convenience, the Prenatal Cradle features no-snag hook and eye closures that are easily adjustable, even through fabric, and the shoulder straps stay in place to remain discreet under clothes. The belly is left uncovered, making it easy to apply lotions and oils to further prevent stretch marks. And because of the smart design, Mom doesn’t even have to remove her maternity support belt to use the bathroom.

Exploring Your Compression Hose Options

If you’ve decided you’re interested in compression socks or hose, congratulations! You’re already on your way to preventing leg pain and tenderness, and even varicose veins. However, not all compression hose are created equal. Read on to learn the different factors that will help you choose the perfect compression hose for you.

Height: The height of your compression hose will affect your level of support, in addition to providing aesthetic changes as well; some women simply prefer the look of thigh-high or mid-thigh compression hose, while others are partial to knee-high products.

Color: Your individual preferences, outfit, and skin tone will determine whether you prefer black or nude compression hose, or perhaps fashion hose in more interesting colors. Keep in mind that there is still a lot of variation within the black and nude families.

Toes: Some women think they have to choose between wearing compression hose and wearing open-toe sandals, but this is simply not the case. Open-toe compression hose make it easy to get the support you need and show off that pedicure.