Patients often experience complications following surgery. These can be caused by the anesthetic, injury during surgery, or the post-operative period itself. One way that patients may help reduce these risks is to take measures to prevent blood clots from forming in their legs which could travel to their lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Compression socks are designed for people who have lost some sensation in their feet due to injuries or conditions such as diabetes.
They compress this area so that if you were injured there, you would feel it more quickly than usual because your entire foot would hurt instead of just one area on it. This makes them perfect for use post-surgery because they can help reduce blood clots, something which is most likely to happen if you sit stationary for long periods. Read on to know more about compression socks and how they can support your recovery.
What are Compression Socks?
Compression socks work by applying even pressure on the feet and calves. One of the most important benefits of compression socks is that they help reduce blood clots. Think of them as post surgery essentials which is especially important for patients who can’t move around much and who also risk developing blood clots as a result of using an anesthetic or due to the surgery itself.
Compression socks increase the amount of blood that courses through your body, including in those areas furthest from your heart. This helps keep the blood flowing and reduces the risk of a clot forming. They are designed to:
- Increase blood circulation in your legs
- Treat and prevent blood clots and swelling post-surgery or injury
- Assist in faster recovery after a surgery
How They Support Your Recovery?
The graduated compression socks help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling. By improving blood circulation, the socks help bring vital nutrients and oxygen to the surgical area which can promote healing. Additionally, the socks will help to remove waste products and fluids from the surgical area which can also promote healing. The graduated compression will also help reduce swelling by decreasing the amount of fluid that collects in the area of surgery. By reducing swelling, you can expect a decrease in pain as well as an improved range of motion.
The Best Time to Wear Them?
Typically, compression socks are worn immediately following your surgery and for several days after surgery. However, the length of wear time will depend on how much swelling is present and the type of surgery that you had. The surgeon or home health care nurse will let you know how long to wear them. If they feel like your legs are swelling too much, then it is most likely too soon to put compression socks on and they might recommend using a support hose for a few days instead.
How to Choose the Right Compression Sock For You?
Not all compression socks are created equal. There are different levels of compression and you will want to choose a sock that has the correct level of compression for you. To find the right level of compression, you will need to know your thigh circumference. The thigh circumference can be found by measuring the circumference of your thigh at the widest point. Once you have your thigh circumference, use the chart below to find the recommended compression level.
For example, if you have a thigh circumference of 30 inches, then you will want to look for compression socks at 20-30 mmHg. If your surgeon or home health care nurse says that you need more compression than this, then they might recommend using the graduated compression socks that go up to 40 mmHg.
Types of Compression Sock
There are two types of compression socks: knee-high and thigh-high. Knee-high compression socks are typically worn by people who have had a surgery on their ankle, foot, or leg. Thigh-high compression socks are typically worn by people who have had a surgery on their hip, pelvis, or upper leg.
How to Put Them On Correctly?
Putting compression socks on correctly is very important in order to get the most out of them. Here are some tips on how to put them on correctly:
- Start by putting the socks on while sitting down.
- If they are knee-highs, pull them up to the middle of your thigh. If they are thigh-highs, pull them up to your waist. You will then want to attach the bottom of the sock to a garter. Always make sure that you are attaching the correct side of the sock before tightening it around your leg.
- If your compression socks have a heel, always put that heel on first and then pull the rest of the sock over the top of it.
- When putting the socks on, make sure that you are not tugging at them in an upward motion. This will cause blood to flow towards your feet and away from the surgical site which can delay healing.
It’s important to wear compression socks after surgery for many reasons. This article has helped you understand the benefits of wearing these socks post-surgery and how they can support your recovery. Compression garments provide comfort and warmth which is important if you’re recovering from an operation involving general anesthesia or just feeling cold because of it is wintertime.
