Compression Therapy: Specialists & Treatment Information

Applications and How It Works

Blood flows back from the extremities to the heart through the veins in the legs. In venous diseases, the walls of the blood vessels are often damaged. This slows down blood flow and, consequently, overall blood circulation. As a result, blood clots can form, further impeding blood flow. In this way, circulation gradually comes to a near standstill.

In such cases, thrombosis and pulmonary embolism can develop. These conditions can pose a serious threat to the health of those affected.

Orthopedic compression stockings are used in compression therapy. They apply pressure to the veins, causing them to constrict. This increases blood flow and promotes the return of venous blood to the heart.

Compression stockings apply pressure to the blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation © tibanna79 | AdobeStock

By accelerating blood circulation, the risk of clotted blood accumulating is reduced. In addition, compression therapy helps prevent blood from accumulating in the interstitial tissue. Such edema could otherwise damage the vessel walls and affect the surrounding tissue.

Furthermore, compression therapy is also used to treat leg ulcers. These open wounds develop in the lower leg area. Leg ulcers can be attributed to three different causes:

• Chronic venous insufficiency, a disorder in the flow of venous blood circulation.
• Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). This form of leg ulcer is colloquially known as “smoker’s leg.” PAOD refers to the gradual blockage of the arterial vessels in the legs.
• Diabetes—known as “diabetic foot.”

Compression therapy may only be used in the first case—a leg ulcer caused by venous insufficiency.

Other areas of application at a glance:

• after varicose vein surgery
• after foam sclerotherapy
• after spider vein sclerotherapy
• after phlebitis

Compression therapy is also frequently used as a preventive measure during

• hospital stays,
• prolonged immobilization, and
• during rehabilitation

.

The Compression Therapy Process

After a thorough examination of the condition, the doctor prescribes compression stockings or bandages.

If compression stockings are not fitted correctly, they not only fail to produce the desired effect but can actually worsen the medical condition. That is why careful instruction from the doctor is very important.

As a rule, the patient must wear the compression stockings for at least 8 hours a day. During the nighttime rest period, the patient may remove the stockings unless the doctor instructs otherwise.

Duration of Compression Therapy

The duration of compression stocking use depends on the severity of the condition. After sclerotherapy for spider veins, the therapy lasts only one week. Other cases require a longer duration of use, for example,

• two weeks following phlebitis,
• six weeks after varicose vein surgery, or
• after a thrombosis, as long as three months.

Thrombotic conditions often recur after an initial episode. People who are thrombophilic or have previously suffered from thrombosis are more susceptible to a recurrence. For this reason, compression stockings are also frequently used prophylactically as a preventive measure.

In severe cases, compression therapy may even be necessary for life. This is particularly true for conditions such as

• severe post-thrombotic syndrome,
• lymphedema, or
• a leg ulcer

.

However, the time periods listed here are for guidance only and may vary depending on the severity of the condition. The treating physician will determine the exact duration of use based on the medical findings.