Surprising conditions that benefit from compression therapy
Shop nowSurprising conditions that benefit from compression therapy
Shop nowWhen you hear "compression therapy," what's the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it's varicose veins – those bulging, twisted blue lines that can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. And yes, compression garments are incredibly effective for managing the symptoms and progression of varicose veins.
But what if we told you that the benefits of compression extend far, far beyond this common venous condition? In fact, the gentle, graduated pressure provided by compression socks, stockings, and wraps is a powerful therapeutic tool for a surprisingly wide range of health challenges, athletic pursuits, and even everyday discomforts.
Sigvaris has been at the forefront of compression innovation for decades and has seen, firsthand, how this simple yet profound therapy can improve lives in ways many don't realize. Let's dive into some of the lesser-known, yet equally impactful, conditions and situations where compression therapy truly shines.
The core principle — why compression works
Before we explore specific conditions, it’s helpful to understand the fundamental mechanism behind compression therapy. Graduated compression garments are designed to be tightest at the ankle and gradually decrease in pressure as they move up the leg. This external pressure helps to...
Improve Blood Flow: By gently squeezing the veins, compression helps push deoxygenated blood back towards the heart, preventing pooling and improving circulation.
Reduce Swelling (Edema): The pressure helps to move fluid out of swollen tissues and back into circulation, where it can be properly processed by the body.
Support Vein Walls: It provides external support to weakened vein walls and valves, helping them function more efficiently.
Decrease Inflammation and Pain: By reducing swelling and improving circulation, compression can alleviate discomfort associated with various conditions.
Now, let's dive into some of the lesser-known, yet equally impactful, conditions and situations where compression therapy truly shines.
1. Lymphedema
While often confused with general swelling, lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. This can occur after cancer treatment (especially lymph node removal), surgery, trauma, or can be genetic.
Compression therapy is a cornerstone of lymphedema management. Specialized compression garments for lymphedema are designed to maintain limb size, prevent fluid accumulation, and promote the flow of lymphatic fluid. Without consistent compression, swelling can worsen, leading to skin changes, increased risk of infection, and reduced mobility. For individuals living with lymphedema, compression isn't just about comfort; it's about preserving limb function and quality of life.
2. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
POTS is a debilitating autonomic nervous system disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs upon standing, often accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, brain fog, and fainting. Many individuals with POTS experience "blood pooling" in their lower extremities when upright, leading to reduced blood flow back to the heart and brain.
High-level compression garments (often 20-30 mmHg or higher, depending on medical advice) can be incredibly beneficial for POTS patients. By applying external pressure to the legs and abdomen, compression helps prevent blood from pooling in the lower body, thus improving venous return to the heart. This can stabilize blood pressure, reduce heart rate spikes upon standing, and significantly alleviate symptoms like dizziness and fatigue, allowing individuals to stand and function more comfortably.
3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like crawling, tingling, or aching. These symptoms typically worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, especially at night, disrupting sleep.
While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, many RLS sufferers report significant relief from wearing compression socks, particularly at night. The gentle, consistent pressure is thought to help improve circulation, reduce fluid pooling, and potentially provide a comforting sensory input that mitigates the uncomfortable sensations, allowing for more restful sleep.
4. Lipedema
Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by an abnormal and painful accumulation of fat, typically in the legs, thighs, and buttocks, often sparing the feet and hands. Unlike regular fat, lipedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise and is often accompanied by swelling, bruising, and tenderness.
Compression therapy plays a crucial role in managing lipedema by helping to reduce the accompanying edema (swelling), decrease pain, and improve mobility. Specialized flat-knit compression garments are often recommended for lipedema, as they provide consistent pressure across the affected limbs without "ditching" into the tissue, which can be particularly sensitive in lipedema patients.
5. Orthostatic Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure on Standing
Similar to POTS, orthostatic hypotension involves a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. This can be caused by various factors, including certain medications, dehydration, or neurological conditions.
Compression stockings can be a simple yet effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing orthostatic hypotension. By preventing blood from pooling in the lower extremities when upright, they help maintain blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain, reducing the likelihood of symptoms and falls.
6. Athletes and Active Recovery
While not a "condition" in the traditional sense, athletes and active individuals are increasingly turning to compression garments for performance enhancement and accelerated recovery.
During exercise, compression can help stabilize muscles, reduce vibration (which contributes to fatigue), and improve proprioception. After activity, wearing compression improves blood flow and reduces swelling, helping clear metabolic waste products (like lactic acid) from muscles more efficiently, reduce muscle soreness (DOMS - Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), and speed up the repair process.
Whether you're a runner, cyclist, hiker, or weightlifter, incorporating compression into your routine can make a noticeable difference in how you feel and perform.
The takeaway
Compression therapy is a versatile and powerful tool, offering significant benefits far beyond the common perception of varicose vein treatment. From chronic medical conditions to enhancing athletic recovery and improving daily comfort, the targeted pressure of high-quality compression garments can make a profound difference in a person's well-being.
If you experience any of the symptoms or conditions mentioned above, or simply want to optimize your circulatory health, it's worth discussing compression therapy with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the appropriate compression level and type of garment for your specific needs, helping you discover the surprising benefits of targeted pressure.
Top selling compression socks and stockings...
Compression socks are medically recommended and supported by clinical evidence for the prevention and treatment of several conditions involving venous, lymphatic, and circulatory disorders. Here's a comprehensive list of conditions for which compression therapy is evidence-based:
1. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Details: Poor functioning of leg vein valves leads to blood pooling.
Evidence: Multiple studies and guidelines support compression therapy as first-line treatment.
Grades of compression used: 20-30 mmHg (Class I–II) typically.
2. Varicose Veins
Details: Enlarged, twisted veins often due to CVI.
Evidence: Compression stockings reduce symptoms like aching, heaviness, and swelling.
Common use: During pregnancy and in people with occupational risk (standing jobs).
3. Venous Leg Ulcers (VLU)
Details: Non-healing wounds caused by poor venous return.
Evidence: Strongest clinical support; compression is the gold standard treatment.
Compression needed: Often multi-layer or high-compression (30–40 mmHg).
4. Lymphedema
Details: Accumulation of lymphatic fluid causing swelling.
Evidence: Compression garments are part of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
Compression type: Flat-knit or custom garments for better contouring.
5. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Prevention
Details: Blood clots in deep veins, usually in legs.
Evidence: Compression stockings reduce incidence in hospitalized, post-op, or immobile patients.
Often used with: Anticoagulants and early ambulation.
6. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS)
Details: Long-term complications following DVT.
Evidence: Moderate evidence suggests compression may reduce PTS severity.
7. Edema (Leg Swelling)
Details: Caused by fluid retention due to various conditions (e.g., CVI, heart failure).
Evidence: Compression reduces swelling in both pitting and non-pitting edema.
8. Orthostatic Hypotension
Details: Sudden blood pressure drop upon standing.
Evidence: Compression garments (including abdominal binders and socks) help reduce pooling.
9. Pregnancy-related Venous Disorders
Details: Pregnancy increases venous pressure and risk of varicose veins and DVT.
Evidence: Compression alleviates symptoms and improves circulation.
10. Occupational Leg Fatigue and Swelling
Details: Prolonged standing or sitting (e.g., nurses, retail, factory workers).
Evidence: Preventive use of compression improves comfort and reduces swelling.
11. Air Travel (Economy Class Syndrome)
Details: Long flights increase DVT risk due to immobility.
Evidence: Graduated compression stockings reduce risk of DVT during flights >4 hours.
12. Athletic Performance and Recovery (Emerging/Controversial)
Details: Used by athletes for performance and recovery.
Evidence: Mixed; moderate support for improved recovery (less soreness, swelling), but minimal support for enhanced performance.
13. Lipedema (adjunct therapy)
Details: Chronic fat distribution disorder, usually in legs.
Evidence: Compression may help reduce pain and prevent progression, often in combination with lymphatic drainage.
14. Superficial Thrombophlebitis
Details: Clot and inflammation in superficial veins.
Evidence: Compression reduces pain and swelling and promotes faster resolution.
15. Post-Sclerotherapy or Post-Vein Surgery
Details: After vein ablation or injection therapy.
Evidence: Compression improves healing and reduces side effects like bruising or thrombosis.
16. Congestive Heart Failure (select cases)
Details: Mild to moderate compression may help manage edema.
Caution: Only under physician supervision due to risk of worsening heart failure.