There are also numerous options on the market for hikers; hiking socks come in wool and other materials appropriate for various climates. Compression works well for hikers to support good venous return, since they often put excessive stress on their calves as they walk uphill.
Compression garments also come in a
variety of grades. The gradient compression is expressed in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg, which is the measurement of how much compression or “squeeze” that is placed on the leg: the higher the number, the greater the compression. Socks and stockings are graded on the basis of the strength of the compression at the ankle.
Most athletic compression is 20- 30mmHg, with some in the 10-20mmHg range. Compression is available over the counter, but remember to look for graduat- ed, or gradient, compression, meaning the pressure is highest at the foot and ankle and gradually decreases as the garment rises up the leg. Some products marketed toward athletes may not be graduated and will not provide the benefi ts. Buy from a reputable company, one that has tested their products and lists the level of graduated compression on the packaging.
A good fi t is also critical. Different
brands fi t individuals differently. Be sure you get properly measured and try the garment on if you can. A trained compres- sion fi tter will measure the ankle and calf circumferences on a customer’s leg, as well as take into account his or her shoe size.
Regardless of the style, graduated compression should not be worn to bed, unless specifi cally cleared by a healthcare provider. (“T.E.D” hose are not the same as graduated compression stockings.) Potential contraindications to graduated compression include arterial disease, diabetes and con- gestive heart failure, although that doesn’t mean that those who suffer with these conditions can’t wear compression.
One last important note: compression
is a must-have for athletes who travel for competitions, especially post-competition and on long international fl ights. Extended periods of immobility can be associated with deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, a blood clot in the deep vein system. DVT can be cause for concern because the clot could break free from the vein wall and enter into the blood stream, traveling to the lungs and
COULD BE HERE! Contact Lynda Adams
YOUR AD
lynda@essentiallivingmaine.com 207.650.4383
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become a PE (pulmonary embolism), or to the brain and result in a stroke.
All in all, graduated compression is a good tool to consider, whether one is an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or just likes to keep active.
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder
of the Vein Health-
care Center in South Portland, Maine. Certifi ed by the Ameri- can Board of Venous and Lym- phatic Medicine, she cares for
all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. She is the only vein specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phle- bology. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at 207-221-7799 or
info@veinhealthcare.com. See ad on back cover.
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