Compression stockings gain space in the prevention of circulatory problems; see benefits and myths

Compression stockings gained new functions. Before used mainly for the treatment of diseases, they are now used in long surgeries and are part of the routine of professional and amateur athletes, but not all the promises of results match the scientific studies.

Ronald Flumignan, professor at Unifesp (Federal University of São Paulo) and member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, says that in recent years there has been an increase in evidence on non-pharmacological ways of caring for blood and lymphatic circulation. Also, companies have started to offer socks with different levels of compression and people are better informed about care. These three factors contribute to increased usage.

“In the past, we used compression stockings a lot to treat existing problems. Today, preventive use has increased”, he compares.

As a treatment option, stockings are recommended for patients with post-thrombotic syndrome, a complication of deep vein thrombosis, when a clot forms in a deep vein. “The compression stockings help the clot to circulate again, which we call recanalization”, says Gustavo Brandão, vascular surgeon and professor at UFSCar (Federal University of São Carlos).

They are also indicated for patients with chronic venous disease of a high degree, in which dilated and tortuous veins, varicose veins, do not have enough capacity to send blood back from the legs to the heart.

“The sock has a graduated compression. In general, on the sole of the foot the compression is higher and decreases to the knee or thigh. In this way, it works like a pump, helping to bring the blood from the bottom to the top”, explains Brandon.

The stockings also began to be used to prevent the formation of clots in patients undergoing prolonged procedures, such as plastic or bariatric surgery. In these cases, the person wears the accessory before, during and after the operation. There are also situations where they are used only postoperatively.

The moment of use, explains Brandão, is evaluated based on a scale that measures the risk of the patient having deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The score varies according to the person’s age, time of surgery and previous illnesses, including a history of problems that prevent the use of anticoagulant drugs.

Elastic stockings have also gained space in the practice of physical activity, but in this area the benefits are still not so clear. Flumignan mentions studies that point to a slight improvement in the performance of athletes who use the stockings, but it is not yet known what the ideal compression would be or whether it would be better to use them before, during or even after the competition, to stimulate recovery.

Doctors also warn that the pieces do not reduce cellulite or extinguish the risk of thrombosis in women who use birth control pills, and that they should not be used by people with reduced circulation in the leg, ulcers or wounds.

The main effect of elastic stockings for prevention, experts point out, is to reduce the feeling of discomfort in the legs, which can manifest as heaviness, small shocks or twinges. It is also a resource to improve the swelling that appears in the limbs of bedridden people, those who spend many hours sitting at work or on trips and pregnant women, who are more susceptible to the appearance of varicose veins.

In these situations, the suggested model is the one with medium compression, covering the ankle and sole of the foot. As foot dynamics are very important to boost blood flow, socks that compress only the calf are not the most suitable, advises Brandão.

According to Rosana Lourenço, marketing manager at the textile company Hanesbrands Brasil, this is indeed the type most sought after by Brazilian consumers. She claims that, even with the pandemic and the economic crisis, sales have remained stable and there is a change in the customer profile. “The demand for the product by men has increased.”