What is the Nut of Support stockings?

Support stockings are often not praised for their appearance, but their effectiveness is unmistakable. They can alleviate or even prevent many physical complaints. In this blog we dig deeper into the benefits of compression stockings and give useful tips to attract them more easily.

What are Support stockings?

Support stockings, also called compression stockings are elastic stockings that exert pressure on the legs and thus promote blood circulation. This helps to transport blood more efficiently to the heart and stimulates the disposal of waste and lymphatic fluid. Their operation can alleviate various physical complaints and prevent health problems.

Why Do Wear Support stockings?

Support stockings are used in different situations. They are useful for complaints such as heavy, restless or swollen legs, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in deep veins) and varicose veins. They also are used preventively, for example to prevent blood clots after surgery and reduce the emergence of new varicous veins, and after a varicuous operation compression stockings can be recommended.

When do you wear Support stockings?

In most cases, you wear support stockings all day: put them on in the morning and take them off at night before going to bed. If you use them to prevent traveler thrombosis, then put them back on at the start of your flight or drive and remove them on arrival. Athletes can use special sports compression stockings to avoid muscle cramps both before and after their training.

What are the Different Class compression stockings?

Support stockings are available in four pressure classes. Class 1 is suitable for tired and heavy legs and can be purchased without advice from a bandagist. From class 2 it is wise to consult a bandageist, because the correct size is crucial to prevent discomfort. Class 3 and 4 offer more pressure and are intended for more serious complaints.

Tip: Preferably, have your support stockings measured in the morning, immediately after getting up, when your legs are thinnest. This will prevent your stockings from being too tight.

How do you put on Support stockings?

The use of support stockings can be a challenge because of the sturdy material. Here are some tips to facilitate the process:

• Cut your toenails short to avoid the stockings in brackets.
• Make sure you have smooth feet: calluses can make attracting difficult.
• Hydrate your skin: Use a moisturizing cream in the evening after you have pulled out the stockings. Avoid fatty creams in the morning.
• Use a drawbar: gloves, sailor stockings or metal aids can facilitate the attraction.
• Use an anti-slip mat To make it easier to put on your hands.

Are Support stockings being paid back?

In Belgium, aid stockings are only reimbursed in certain cases. You may be eligible if:

• You have lymphoedema or a chronic venous disorder.
• Your GP prescribed the support stockings.
• You're over 15 years old and the stockings are in compression class 3 or 4.
• The support stockings are on the RIZIV list of recoverable products.
• A recognized bandagist measured your stockings.

For more information about the conditions of reimbursement, please visit the website of the National Institute for Sickness and Invalidity Insurance.

Maintenance and Care for Support stockings: Tips and Instructions

Support stockings, also known as therapeutic elastic stockings (TEK), are designed to relieve symptoms such as heavy tired legs and oedema (fluid accumulation). Thanks to compression technology they improve blood circulation and reduce physical discomfort that can arise from illness, accident, pregnancy, low movement, prolonged standing or hereditary predisposition.

Important Maintenance Tips

1. Protection and Sustainability
   Always wear a regular sock over your therapeutic elastic stocking to extend the lifespan. Without this protection, you can wear out stocking faster. Also avoid direct sunlight as the rubber in your stockings can affect and reduce elasticity. Please read the instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Failure to comply with the regulations may cause your complaints to be not treated. Always keep the label, as disposal may mean that your complaint is not recognised.
2. Washing and drying instructions
   Wash your stockings preferably daily or at least three times a week, and always inside out. Use a liquid fine detergent and avoid washing softener, bleach or soaking agents. Wash the stockings at up to 30 degrees in the washing machine and avoid hand wash if possible. Centrifuging is allowed. After washing, pull the stocking in shape and let it dry in the air. Do not place them in the sun, on the heating or in the dryer. To accelerate the drying process, you can roll the stocking tightly into a towel and press

By following these maintenance instructions, you will ensure that your support stockings remain effective and last longer.