Knee High Support Hose: Knee High Support Hose Gives Wearers a Leg Up on Vein Support
Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to support hose. A recent study published in the February 2009 issue of the journal Clinical Nurse Specialist found that knee high support hose were more comfortable, easier to use, less expensive, and less likely to cause leg ulcers and other problems in the wearers.
Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven all offer popular brands of knee high support hose in a variety of support levels from light compression to firm compression. Before you buy knee length support stockings, though, be sure you talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend certain brands or tightness levels (also called compression levels, measured in mmHg).
Other examples of knee high support hose include:
To use knee high support hose, you may need to measure the length of your legs and the circumference around the calf to ensure you’re getting a good fit. These kinds of support legwear are available for purchase online or at retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, or your local drugstore or pharmacy.
When you wear your knee high support stockings, you’ll probably want to buy two pairs - one to wear and one to wash. When you remove your stockings at the end of the day, wash them out gently by hand (or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for caring for your stockings). Avoid putting lotion on your legs right before wearing the knee high support hose - doing so could damage the elastic fibers and make them sag and droop. It’s also a good idea to take off all jewelry when removing or putting on your support stockings because rings and bracelets can snag the delicate fibers.
If you have mobility or arthritis problems, using a device called a stocking donner can make putting on knee high support hose easier.
