How Compression Stockings Help After Surgery: Recovery Tips

Every operation requires time undergoing therapy before the patient is fully recuperated and one of the common treatments that patients wear are compression stockings. These garments are of medical importance as their primary functions include improving blood circulation, controlling swelling and avoiding formation of blood clots. In this blog, let’s know what are all the positive aspects of getting compression stockings after surgery and also the hows and whys of getting them right and the right ones for you in order to have a faster recovery process.

1. The Role of Compression Stockings in Preventing Blood Clots Post-Surgery

The main purpose of wearing compression stockings after a surgery is to prevent blood clots and of all the clots a DVT is the most fatal one. Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a venous disorder characterized by the formation of a thrombus in a deep vein, majorly in the lower extremities. Sometimes if the clot reaches the lung, it forms what is commonly referred to as a pulmonary embolism which is a very serious condition and can be deadly depending on the size of the clot involved.

Patients who have undergone surgery are mostly immobile especially in the early days following the operation, and this leads to stagnation in blood circulation in the legs and hence formation of clots. Graduated pressures are used on the legs such that pressure at the ankle is the highest and progressively decreases up the leg as used by the compression stockings. It is this pressure that helps in propelling blood flow by compressing the veins whilst avoiding any stagnation in the lower body parts.

Essentially, it aids the flow of blood hence limiting the chances of blood clots. The risk of developing DVT is especially high among people recovering from some surgeries like knee replacements, hip surgeries or any surgery, which requires the abdomen to be cut open and then stitched up for some time post-operation; this is where compression stockings come in handy as doctors will usually recommend that their patients wear a pair immediately after the operation and whenever they are sitting still, lying on the bed or traveling.

2. Improving Circulation for Faster Healing

One should note that circulation is important to promote in the wound healing process and this is where the compression stockings will come in handy as they enhance circulation to the wounded area. Since blood circulation is when oxygen and food moves to the area that needs to be repaired and waste products are taken away. It is useful for lessening the inflammation and for enhancing the fixing of tissue damages.

Compression stockings enhance blood flow throughout the body but especially on the lower limbs because they move relatively slower when one is not so active as when in surgery. In addition to promoting blood flow, these stockings also help to minimize such problems as that of poor healing or infection setting in, issues which might slow the rate of healing in patients.

3. Minimizing Swelling with Compression Stockings

Postoperative swelling is a normal occurrence especially if the operation was performed on the lower limbs or lower part of the body. In normal circumstances, the body has a way of responding to a particular part that has been injured or has undergone surgery by swelling hence causing pain and slow healing.

It functions with the provision of pressure to the legs; the stocking prevents the accumulation of large volumes of the fluid within the tissues of legs. This compression promotes the penetration of fluid back into the bloodstream and thus fluid build up results in complications such as edema is prevented.

For example, for those who have undergone procedures such as joint replacement, wearing of the stockings helps in decreasing fluid accumulation, enhancing mobility and minimizing swelling and additional dangers.

4. Reducing the Risk of Post-Surgery Complications

They also help avoid the other post surgical complications like the venous insufficiency and leg ulcers. This is when the veins of the legs receive limited ability to push the blood back to the heart; they are either weak alleys or valves. Wearing compression stockings provides uniform pressure on the veins as they transport blood in the body hence assisting them to pump effectively to the heart.

Also, the use of compression stockings is useful in preventing formation of leg ulcers especially where circulation is compromised. The wearers of the compression stockings benefit from enhanced circulation, reduced pressure on the veins and minimized formation of ulcers that can end up affecting the legs during the recovery period.

5. How to Choose the Right Compression Stockings After Surgery

It is therefore important that in selecting compression stockings they are suitable for medical compression use to help in recovery. Here are a few tips to help you select the right pair:Here are a few tips to help you select the right pair:

• Compression Level: These stockings are offered in differing levels of compression which are expressed in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. Again, it depends on the type of surgery that has been done, your healthcare provider will advise you accordingly on the right level of activity to indulge in. Some of the typical classes of pressure include 15-20 mmHg (Slight Gradient) & 20-30 mmHg (Moderate Gradient).
• Size and Fit: Compression stockings have to be fitted correctly for them to provide the necessary pressure. They should not be very tight though they should fit the body nicely. It is thus necessary to use the correct measurement on your legs as per the manufacturer’s instructions because otherwise you might experience aches, pains or in the worst-case scenario be harmed by the stockings.
• Length: These garments are also available in varying lengths, right from the knee length typically referred to as ‘knee highs’ to the ‘thigh highs’ and the full length ones. For this, your doctor may recommend the ideal length depending on the type of surgery as well as the general health history of the patient.

6. When and How Long Should You Wear Compression Stockings After Surgery?

Regarding the wearing of compression hose the period and time in which it will be used will be determined by the type of surgery conducted and the general health of the patient. Most doctors advise people to wear them for 2 weeks post-surgery with some patients having to wear them longer if they still have problems with blood circulation or other conditions that make them susceptible to DVT.

Patients are also advised to wear them during the day and take them off during night as they have a high rate of usage. But again, it is important to stick to what your treating doctor advises as every patient has his or her own recovery schedule.

7. How to Properly Use Compression Stockings for Post-Surgery Recovery

To get the most out of your compression stockings, it’s important to know how to use and care for them properly:To get the most out of your compression stockings, it’s important to know how to use and care for them properly:

• Putting Them On: Compression stockings are usually tight and fitting and pose a challenge to wear especially after a surgery where movement may be restricted. As for the tips for putting on the stockings, one can rub some sort of donning aids or wear rubber gloves to help grip the stocking in order to lift it up and put it on without straining or shrinking the fabric.
• Caring for Them: Compression stockings: these should be washed from time to time to ensure that they keep on stretching as they are designed to do. Wash them with mild soap and detergents and avoid drying them with direct heat usually with an iron.

8. The Psychological Comfort of Wearing Compression Stockings

Aside from that there is not only the therapy point of view, but also there is a psychological aspect that wearing these stockings can help in facilitating the recovery time. It’s more comforting to know that you are doing everything possible to keep those complications at bay and help with your body’s healing. Also, many today’s compression stockings are made unobtrusive and comfortable to wear thus not causing embarrassment.

9. Compression Stockings: A Non-Invasive Way to Speed Up Recovery

An advantage of the compression stockings is that it is possible to achieve healing without using invasive procedures. Unlike other approaches or methods such as use of drugs, going through surgical operations or even seeking other operations, the use of compression stockings relies on the natural circulatory system. It works alongside other treatments and drugs, making it an easy and effective method of shortening the recovery period and minimizing the occurrence of complications.

10. What to Expect While Wearing Compression Stockings After Surgery

As indicated earlier touching your legs, wearing compression stockings you will be feeling a little pressure and warmth. These are normal and signal to me that the stockings are beneficial to the legs’ blood circulation process. But, if you notice pain, numbness, or skin injury while using the stockings, you should go and see your doctor Ng et al, 2012 to confirm that the stockings are of the proper size and fit.

Compression stockings are an effective tool that can help during your post surgery recovery process to minimize the occurrence of complications and to reduce discomfort. But as you choose the type of stockings and follow basic caring techniques, you will be on the safer side as you heal. Remember to speak with your doctor regarding your specific recovery process, and get the healing advantages of compression stockings.