Anti-embolism stockings are hosiery products that help reduce the threat of blood clots forming in the legs. Anti-embolism stockings improve blood circulation in the leg veins by applying graduated compression. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot in the vein. When the blood clot is formed in deep veins of the legs it is called Deep Vein Thrombosis. If the clot somehow travels and reaches the lungs it is called Pulmonary Embolism.

What causes Thromboembolism?

• Lying or sitting in the same place for a long period of time, the blood flow speed through the legs becomes slower which may cause it to clot.
• Inactivity, the effects of certain drugs, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics can cause the veins to become wider and tear. Blood clots are more likely to adhere to the tears in the wall of the vein.
• Changes can occur in the way blood clots. Certain medications and inactivity may change blood’s normal coagulation process, leading to blood clots.

Why to wear Anti-Embolism Stockings?

Stockings are the elastic garment that is worn around the leg. Anti-embolism stockings are effective in curing Thromboembolism. These specially designed stockings apply appropriate pressure on legs varying from 8mmHg to 50mmHg, which help prevent the occurrence of and guard against further progression of venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis, and thrombosis.

For how long should you wear it?

The duration may differ according to the severity and the recommendation of your healthcare professional. It could be 2 weeks or more. After surgery, it is recommended to wear anti-embolism stockings until you are able to move around freely and comfortably. Compression stockings come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and colors. They’re also available with different strengths of compression. You may need to wear them on both the legs or on just one leg. You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again in the morning.

Cleaning and Caring of Stockings

Clean it frequently enough to remove the natural bodily secretions and skin flakes, which if you let it remain may cause the damage to stockings fiber and decrease the life span of the garment. You should choose two stockings keeping in mind that you are wearing one and the other is on reserve that you can wear when you are washing what you are currently wearing. Hand wash your stockings at about 40 °C /104F (comfortable hand temperature) and dry them away from direct heat in the air.

How to put on the Stockings?

Step 1: Insert your hand and grab the stocking at the top of heel pocket.
Step 2: While still holding the heel pocket turn the top of the stocking down toward the toe.
Step 3: Open the stocking and slide your foot in until your toe and heel are positioned in place.
Step 4: Grab the top of your stocking and pull up over your ankle and calf.
Step 5: For optimal fit ensure that the material is evenly distributed on the leg by massaging the garment into place.
Step 6: You’ll know it is on correctly when it is about 2 finger widths below to the bend of your knee.

Who can wear them?

Nurses, flight attendants, and salespeople working for long hour shifts can wear them comfortably. Even people while traveling choose to wear it. Ladies who have undergone C-section (Caesarean section) can also wear anti-embolism stockings.

Who should not?

Stockings are not recommended for patients with the following:

• Any local leg condition in which stockings would interfere, such as dermatitis, immediate post-operative vein ligation, gangrene, or a recent skin graft.
• Severe arteriosclerosis or another ischemic vascular disease.
• Massive edema (swelling) of legs or pulmonary edema from congestive heart failure.
• Extreme deformity of the leg.

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