Anti-embolic stockings - what are they?

Anti-embolic stockings are one of the types of medical knitwear. This thing helps restore blood supply to immobile legs, which prevents the formation of blood clots. This product cannot be used for regular wear. In most cases, it is only used in hospitals.

Possibilities of anti-embolic stockings

The product is designed in such a way that their density decreases evenly from bottom to top. The pressure in the ankle area can be 100%, and at the top of the limb about 40%. This range is an indicator of the norm. It is thanks to him, the movement of blood towards the heart increases.

Anti-embolic stockings are produced only in white, which allows you to control their cleanliness and observe the color of the skin.

Let's look at the features of therapeutic knitwear.

• Able to withstand high temperatures without damaging components. They can be subjected to various sanitary treatments. At the same time, the texture of things does not lose its qualities.
• The possibility of sterilization in a cold autoclave is provided.
• Hypoallergenic. This is one of the mandatory requirements, since the risk of allergies during the use of medications increases markedly.
• Specific time of use. This material can be worn for a fixed period. It usually ranges from 5–6 days after delivery to two weeks after surgery.
• Thanks to the special method of knitting the fabric and the use of hollow threads, the products have good heat transfer. As well as effective drainage of excess moisture from the surface of the skin.
• They have a hole in the sock, which allows you to monitor the patient’s condition.

REFERENCE! The stockings have a special elastic band with targeted silicone application. This ensures that the product is securely attached to the leg.

Prescription of anti-embolic stockings

This type of stocking provides a wide range of applications. Products are recommended in the following cases.

• During operations lasting approximately 45 minutes, as well as for more complex operations.
• Childbirth and postpartum period of time. During pregnancy, the pressure on the veins increases significantly, which leads to increased blood clotting and varicose veins.
• During your stay in the intensive care unit.
• With prolonged rest patient during the healing of injuries and certain diseases.
• As a preventive measure and treatment of varying degrees of varicose veins.

There are some restrictions for wearing such things.

IMPORTANT! Products are contraindicated for patients with purulent skin diseases, persistently severe neuropathy of the legs, allergic reactions to tissue, as well as persistent venous insufficiency.

Types of anti-embolic stockings

Knitted fabric has a special typology, which is determined by the degree of pressure on the limbs. Based on this, each type has distinctive properties.

Product types

• First grade. The products are worn at the initial stage of varicose veins to prevent its further development.
• Second class. This type is used to treat moderate venous insufficiency, as well as after surgery and for swelling of the legs.
• Third class. Stockings are used for severe forms of illness.
• Fourth grade. It is used rarely and only in severe cases. For example, when valves and vessels do not fully perform the function of transferring blood from the legs to the heart.

Anti-embolic stockings should be purchased strictly according to size. The size chart is available on the product packaging. You can calculate the size either independently or by contacting your treating specialist or department manager. Calculations are made based on the length of the limb, the circumference of the calves and ankles.

IMPORTANT! Prophylactic stockings with a minimum pressure of up to 18 mm Hg. Art., can be used without a doctor's prescription to prevent venous insufficiency.

Anti-embolic stockings can be purchased at orthopedic departments. In this case, you should definitely consult with your doctor and choose the right type. Due to their effectiveness, these things are gaining more and more popularity. The availability of products helps prevent many diseases and significantly alleviate the patient’s condition.