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Services and Treatments Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) | Injection Sclerotherapy | Microphlebectomies | Upper Endoscopy Colonoscopy | Vasectomies | Spider and Varicose Veins | Breast Care | Support Stockings | Other Office Surgeries Support Stockings 
In General
Support stockings are recommended as the initial treatment for most vein problems. We can help you choose the best level of compression, the correct size, and the right color for your particular vein problem. We can instruct you in the proper use and care of support stockings. The Benefits Compression stockings will not cure your vein problems, but are very important for long-term management and maintenance. They can help decrease the pain and swelling associated with varicose and spider veins. Compression stockings are an important part of the post-operative care using endovenous laser therapy, microphlebectomies, and sclerotherapy. The Risks The only potential risk with compression stockings occurs in those patients that have arterial circulatory problems. In those patients with poor arterial circulation, compression can lead to necrosis and ulceration of the skin. That’s why compression stockings should be prescribed only by health care providers who have specialized training in circulatory problems, and patients should not order medical grade support hose over the Internet without approval from their health care provider. Wear and Care The care of your support stockings involves knowing two things:
FAQs Will support socks cut off my circulation? Stockings that fit correctly will not cut off the circulation. Our support stockings are made with gradient compression, which means that they are tightest at the ankle and slowly decrease in pressure toward the top of the stocking. Because of this, the stocking will not restrict your circulation. How long will support stockings last? Manufacturers such as Sigvaris ® suggest replacing the stockings every four to six months. After that, the elastic in the socks will start to deteriorate and will no longer give the correct compression. What is the best time of day to measure for compression stockings? If you have a lot of swelling in your ankles, it is important that we take your measurements first thing in the morning before swelling builds in the legs. Measurements taken later in the day after swelling is present may result in choosing a stocking size that is too large. What if I only need a support stocking for a condition in one leg? Only the leg with the symptoms or disease needs a compression stocking. Some people prefer to wear compression on only the affected leg. Others may decide to wear the same brand of stocking but in a lower compression level on the unaffected or healthy leg. Always verify with your physician that the problem is present in only one leg. How many hours each day should I wear my support stockings? The wearing time for gradient compression stockings is dependent on both the reason for wearing the compression and the amount of compression (mmHg). An individual's physician or health care practitioner is a good resource for this information. Here are some general guidelines:
What is the difference between graduated support hose and anti-embolism or T.E.D. hose? Anti-embolism stockings are designed specifically for bed bound (non-ambulatory) patients to help prevent blood from pooling in the veins of the leg. Pooling of blood in the veins of the leg may contribute to blood clots forming in the veins. Anti-embolism stockings are generally made for short duration of wear during a hospitalization. Anti-embolism stockings deliver gradient compression and, depending on the manufacturer, the compression delivered to the ankle is in the range of 12 - 20 mmHg. These stockings are normally only available in white and have an opening on the underside of the toes which can be uncomfortable while walking. Generally, they come in only 5 sizes, extra small, small, medium, large and extra-large and are not available in custom-fit sizes. Graduated compression support hose, on the other hand, are engineered to be used while you are walking. The amount of compression is the strongest at the ankle, and the amount of compression is the lightest at the top of the leg. The number of standard fit sizes available varies from one manufacturer to another, but generally they are available in 6 to 15 standard sizes. Most manufactures will also make a custom fit stocking for those patients who do not fit into one of the standard sizes. Modern textile science has advanced to the point where good quality medical grade support hose do not have to be ugly. At Steven D. Cox MD Inc., we offer a large stock of standard sizes of support hose made by Sigvaris, so you can usually get what you need immediately from us. Some helpful illustrations of support hose are included here:
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