Support tights are a mystery for many people. The name for the most part seems self-explanatory, but what exactly are they supporting? If you aren't familiar, support tights are pressurized leg wear are designed to regulate improper blood low in the legs.
There are valves in our veins that regulate blood flow and ensure that it circulates properly. When the valves begin to deteriorate, the blood flow is then reversed upon standing and instead of flowing toward the heart, the blood flows down the superficial veins toward the feet. This can often cause discomfort and unsightly varicose veins as the muscles around the vein contract and cause pressure.
Support tights do wonders in alleviating that pressure and maintaining proper blood flow to the heart. Although they aren't prescription, it's best to consult your physician before you make a purchase to ensure you get the right amount of pressure for your condition. They can be extremely helpful for managing not only symptoms for varicose veins, but also: diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, pregnancy side-effects, and other conditions or disorders that cause swelling in the legs and feet.
If you have decided to purchase and wear support tights, here are some tips on how to wear them properly and get the most from them.
- Choose your pair of support tights based on your doctor's recommendation for the amount of pressure you need for your particular condition.
- When shopping around for support tights, choose a brand that is regulated by the FDA to ensure that you're getting the same amount of compression that is advertised on the package.
- It's generally best to put your support tights on in the morning, immediately upon waking and getting dressed. Your legs are less swollen in the morning and you will experience more comfort by putting them on in the morning.
- If you wear any jewelry on your hands or wrists, be sure to remove them before putting on your support tights. Jewelry and watches could snag on your tights and cause runs and tears that can ultimately reduce their effectiveness.
- To put on the support stockings, grasp the inside of the stocking on the heel and pull it inside out.
- Next, slide your foot into the support stockings, making sure that your toes and feet are in the proper positions.
- Hold the top of the support tights and carefully slide them up your leg, making sure that your toes and feet are in the correct position and the support tights aren't twisting or bunching in areas.
- Continue to wear your support tights until the end of the day, or if your medical professional gave you a recommended length of time, wear them until then. They may take some getting used to, but don't be put off by the initial discomfort and take them off prematurely. This could interfere with the effectiveness of your treatment.
- Keep a second or third pair of support tights on hand, so you can wash and wear them daily.
- After about 4 to 6 months of regular wear, support tights being to lose their elasticity and wear out. When they wear out they lose their effectiveness, so be sure to replace them after at least 6 months of regular wear.