The perfect pressure

In most cases, compression stockings are used to treat venous disorders in the legs. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where the valves in the veins that normally keep blood from flowing back into the legs do not close properly. As a result, blood can pool in the legs and the walls of the veins become overloaded. Varicose veins or oedema are possible consequences. Compression stockings reduce the diameter of the affected veins by applying pressure from the outside, so that the venous valves close better again. Compression treatment may also be indicated for hypertrophic scars and keloids for a limited period of time.

Products of different lengths are available, such as knee-highs, thigh-highs or tights. Combinations of Bermuda trousers with thigh-highs or Capri trousers with knee-highs are also possible, and there are also compression items for the arms. When making a choice, you always have to weigh up between wearing comfort and the required compression effect. The general rule is: as short as possible, as long as necessary.

Medical compression (arm) stockings and tights that are listed in the register of medical Aids of the health insurance funds meet the manufacturing and testing guidelines of the Gütezeichengemeinschaft Medizinischer Kompressionsstrümpfe e. V. (Quality Mark Association for Medical Compression Stockings). (RAL-GZ 387). This can be recognised by the quality mark of the quality mark association. Corresponding stockings must have two-way properties and be assignable to one of the compression classes (KKL) defined in the quality regulations. There are four KKL for leg stockings and three for arm stockings. The doctor decides which class the patient needs. There is no rigid assignment of a KKL to a certain clinical picture. Another quality feature is that compression articles for the legs have a continuous pressure drop from the ankle to the centre of the body, the arm stocking from the wrist to the centre of the body. This corresponds to the natural pressure conditions in the body.

To ensure that the stockings fit like a second skin, the pharmacy team measures the circumference and length of the limbs. It is ideal to take the measurement early in the morning, as soon as possible after getting up, as the oedema is less pronounced then in the evening. If the individual measurements correspond to a mass-produced product, choose this; otherwise, a custom-made product is necessary. Stockings from series production are always made in a circular knitting process, i.e. they do not have a seam.