Circulatory problems afflict a number of people every day. One of the biggest symptoms of a circulatory issue is swollen legs. Swollen legs can be caused by many different conditions. Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues. Phlebitis is a swelling of the veins, and can be accompanied by blood clots. Thrombosis, an obstruction of a blood vessel caused by a blood clot, is another cause for swollen legs.
All of these conditions are painful, causing the sufferer multiple problems. There are many procedures and remedies that can be used to help relieve pain and swelling. A person afflicted with one of these conditions can cut back on their salt intake, lose weight, quit smoking and exercise more.
During a typical day blood is pumped equally throughout the body. The trouble with swollen legs begins when circulation problems arise; this is due to gravity causing blood to pool in the legs. Circulatory trouble can cause problems as minor as leg cramps and fatigue, but also the ailments as major as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis. A quick remedy is to raise the legs, but pain most likely will return as soon as walking or standing is resumed.
One suggested way to lower the pain from any of these problems is to wear a pair of compression stockings. Compression socks, or support socks, are specialized hosiery designed to help circulation and provide additional support to wearers. Compression stockings are not made from the same material dress socks are made from. The materials used are several elastics, such as Lycra, rubber and spandex.
The way they work is that graduated pressure is applied to the leg when the socks are worn, creating considerable pressure on the legs, feet and ankles. Worn tightest at the ankles, compression socks gradually loosen towards the knees. The socks compress the veins in the leg, along with muscles and arteries. Circulating blood is then forced through narrower veins. Since the arterial pressure is increased it forces the blood back up to the heart instead of settling in the legs.
Compression socks have been worn for years mainly by those suffering circulatory problems, but now they are being recommended for other reasons. Anyone whose work requires them to stand for long periods of time, passengers on a long flight or other types of sedentary commutes, can benefit from compression stockings. They are also helpful to athletes. Wearing them helps give support to muscles while running or jumping.
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