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Select Socks Inc.

FAQS

Q. What is venous disorder?

A. The Venous System
The heart is the main pump of the circulatory system. In the circulatory system, arteries distribute blood (rich in oxygen) throughout the body and the veins return the deoxygenated blood back to the heart.  The return flow back to the heart is called venous blood flow.  The leg veins are at greater risk of developing disorders because by the time blood enters the veins,the force pushing this blood has weakened. 

Venous blood flow in the legs is achieved by a series of one-directional valves, the calf muscle pump and the elasticity of the vein wall. The calf muscle contracts and relaxes pushing the blood up the leg.  When functioning properly these actions allow the blood to flow one-way back to the heart.

Venous disorder
If the valves of veins fail to function, or if the vein wall loses their elasticity, then blood pooling or swelling can occur.  This malfunction interferes with the venous return to the heart and can result in a venous disorder.

Symptoms of venous leg disorder may include a combination or any one of the following:
tired and aching legs, tensions, cramps, swollen ankles, skin discolouration, tender skin, spider veins, varicose veins and leg ulcers.

*Note: health information is provided for general use and knowledge.  For proper diagnosis and treatment, please consult your doctor.

 

Q. Why wear compression stockings?

A. Poor blood circulation or malfunction of the veins often occurs in our legs (known as venous leg disorder). This is because our legs are farthest from the heart and blood flow back to the heart must work uphill and against gravity.  

The causes of venous leg disorder may not be linked to a single factor, but can include age, heredity, lifestyle, surgery, infection,injury, and pregnancy. Other factors that also play a role include obesity, poor diet, heart disease, alcohol, hormone treatment/birth control, constrictive clothing, and prolong period of sitting or standing. 

Symptoms of poor blood circulation may include a combination or any one of the following: tired and aching legs, tensions, cramps, swollen ankles, skin discolouration, tender skin, spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

These symptoms can be reduced by wearing the appropriate graduated compression stockings.

 

Q. How does compression therapy work?  What is gradient or graduated compression therapy?

A. Compression therapy is the application of external pressure to the limb. Medical studies have shown that stocking that apply gradual compression is most effective in reducing leg symptoms.  Graduated (gradient) compression therapy applies the greatest pressure at the ankle and decreasing up the leg. This compression is expressed in mmHg (millimetres of mercury).  The higher the compression the bigger the mmHg figure.

Graduated (gradient) compression helps to reduce the size of the superficial veins and increase muscle pump action.  Thus, the circulating blood is forced through narrower channels, the arterial pressure is increased, causing more blood flow to the heart and less blood pooling in the feet.  As a result, gradual compression therapy can help to prevent or reduce fatigue, pain, pooling, edema, thrombosis, as well as spider veins and varicose veins.

 

Q. How does wearing compressions socks and hosiery help me?

A. Using graduated compression, these medical socks and hosiery help promote circulation throughout your body by increasing blood flow from your legs back to your heart.  Also graduated compression reduces swelling and helps prevent the pooling of fluid in the venous or lymph systems.

Graduated (or gradient) compression applies pressure around the outside of your leg. The maximum pressure is applied at the ankle and decreasing up the leg, which helps the veins in the legs to return blood to the heart more effectively.

Anyone who spends a great deal of time sitting behind a desk or standing up for a prolonged period of time may experience leg fatigue, swollen feet and discomfort.  Now, you can alleviate or eliminate these symptoms by using compression socks!

 

Q. What medical conditions would benefit from the use of compression stockings?

A. Because compression stockings help to promote blood circulation in your legs, these products help with the following conditions: tired and aching legs, tensions, cramps, swollen ankles, skin discolouration, tender skin, spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  Please also see our compression level guide for more details.  The above list are examples of reasons to wear compression hosiery.  We ask that your consult your doctor for proper diagnosis.

 

Q. What compression level do I need? A guide to compression level.

A. It is important to check with your doctor or medical professional to see if compression hosiery will help you.  Your doctor or medical professional can advise you on the appropriate compression level for your condition.  Remember that to get the best results from compression therapy, you need the right level of compression and the right fit (proper size).

Below is a compression level guide:

Compression

 Indications

 To view products

Mild compression
8-15 mmHg

- Tired, aching legs
- Minor foot, leg, ankle swelling

Click to view 8-15 mmHg products

Moderate compression
15-20 mmHg

 -Heavy, tired legs
- Pregnancy
- Post sclerotherapy
- Minor varicosities &  spider veins
-Travel (helps prevent DVT)
- Long hours of standing or sitting

Click to view 15-20 mmHg products

Strong compression
20-30 mmHg

(This compression level should only be used after consulting with your doctor.)

- Heavy, tired, and aching legs
- Post sclerotherapy
- Moderate edema
- Moderate to severe varicosities
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Venous ulcer
- Moderate to severe  varicosities during pregnancy
- Moderate swelling

Click to view 20-30 mmHg products



Very strong compression
30-40 mmHg or higher

(This compression level should only be used after consulting with your doctor.)

- Severe varicose veins
- Severe edema
- Venous ulcer
- Lymphedema
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS)



Click to view 30-40 mmHg products

 

This table is for general reference only.  Please consult your physician for proper medical advice.

 

Q. Do I need a prescription to purchase support stockings?

A. You do not need a prescription to purchase standard off the shelf compression garments (also known as ready to wear).  These products are mild compression hosiery (under 20 mmHg) are beneficial for healthy individuals or athletes who are looking for support and relief for tired, aching legs or minor swollen ankles or varicose veins.

We highly recommend that you consult your physician and obtain a prescription before wearing compression socks higher than 20 mmHG. Also, some insurance plans require a doctor’s prescription.  Please check with your insurance provider to see if they cover compression stockings and their claim requirements. 

NOTE: When you order from us, you must agree to the Terms and Conditions. Your agreement to the Terms and Conditions certifies that you have a valid doctor’s prescription or have consulted proper medical professionals before purchasing and understand any cautions or contraindications that need to be considered.

 

Q. Will my support stockings cut off my circulation?

A. Compression hosiery will not cut off your circulation if they are correctly fitted with the right size and the compression level used is appropriate for your conditions (see also our compression level guide).  Also these stockings are designed with gradient compression, meaning that the compression (pressure) is greatest at the ankle and decreases up the leg.

 

Q. When should I replace my graduated compression hosiery?  How long does compression stocking last?

A. You will need to replace your stockings about every 4-6 months depending on how often you wear them and how you care for your garments.  Please follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions.

Over time, the elastic fibers of your compression garment stockings will break down with wear. As a general rule, if your garment becomes easy to put on, it probably needs to be replaced. Mark on your calendar with a reminder of when you need to replace your stockings

 

Q. What is mmHg?

A. Support stockings come in different level of compression (pressure).  Manufacturers of compression hosiery test their products by using a device that measures the unit of pressure to ensure the correct compression, expressed in mmHg.  mmHg is the abbreviation for millimetres of mercury.  The higher the compression the bigger the mmHg figure.

 

Q. How do I know what size to order?

A. It is very important to wear the proper sized stockings to get the most therapeutic result.  Size charts are available when you place an order.  Carefully review the measurements under the size chart to find your size.  As a rule, it is best to take your measurements in the morning when the swelling is at a minimum.  See the page Sizing Guide for more details of selecting the right size.

 

Q. Are there socks for people who are frequent flyer?  Can compression hosiery help with “economy class syndrome” (ECS)?

A. Whether you travel by air or land, during long distance travels, you may experience discomfort in your legs.  That’s because your legs are restricted or inactive when confined to a seated position, resulting in poor blood circulation. 

The lack of movement leads to symptoms such as leg pain, heavy legs, swollen feet and ankles. A common term used in the media for these symptoms is known as economy class syndrome (ECS).

Prolonged sitting of more than 5 hours can lead to a more serious risk of developing travel thrombosis (blood clot).  This travel related thrombosis may be limited to a deep vein (DVT) or in some cases blood clot can flow to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism, which may be lethal.

One effective and simple way to reduce the discomfort and risks of long distance travel is to wear compression stockings. Compression stockings prevent many symptoms like swelling and pain, and may reduce the risk of developing a more serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.

Tips for extended travel:
- wear comfortable clothing
- stretch and exercise your legs at least once every hour
- elevate your legs
wear gradient compression hosiery
- see your doctor if you have concerns about any risk factors

Remember… all our compression socks and hosiery (8-20mmHG) are designed for frequent travelers who spend a lot of time sitting.

Click here to shop for our selections of travel socks.

 

Q. How does compression hosiery help pregnant women?

A. Maternity pantyhose

Pregnancy is a special time, with many changes in a woman’s body. The hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy can affect the expectant mother’s veins.  Blood volume may increase, and the weight of the baby may impede return of blood through the veins of your legs.  Consequently, women may experience symptoms such as heavy, tired, aching or swollen feet and ankles, cramps, and varicose veins may develop.

Wearing gradual compression stockings during pregnancy prevents blood pooling in the veins and helps with blood circulation.  Also, compression stockings may reduce the risk of varicose veins, and help alleviate common symptoms such as heavy, tired, aching or swollen feet and ankles.

Please talk to your physician regarding the benefits of compression therapy during pregnancy.

Click here to shop for maternity pantyhose.

 

Q. Do you carry socks for people with diabetes? What are diabetic socks?

A. Diabetic socks

We carry Jobst SensiFoot Diabectic socks designed for people with diabetes.  These socks are mild compression, non-constricting and provide comfort and protection for everyday wear. 

Comprehensive features and benfits: 
Non-irriating, smooth toe seam - flat, soft toe seam reduces pressure and irritation on toes
Antibacterial, antifungal finish – inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi
Moisture wicking fibers – keep feet comfortable and dry
Non-constricting , mild compression – helps keep the sock in place and prevent sliding and bunching
Extra padding in the foot, heel and toe: reduce friction and provides extra comfort and protection

Click here to shop for diabetic socks.

 

Q. What can I do to maintain the health of my legs and veins?

A. Recommendation for proper leg health
You can play your part in maintaining the health of your legs and veins. 

What can you do:
• Exercise.  Walk, swim, whatever you enjoy doing to keep your legs on the move.
• Elevate your feet above your heart helps with blood flow
• Avoid long periods of sitting or standing whenever possible
• Maintain your normal weight
• Avoid excessive heat (eg. direct sunlight, hot baths), heat dilates veins reducing effective circulation
• Wear graduated compression socks or stockings; improves venous circulation to prevent and treat venous leg disorders.

 

Q. How quickly will you deliver my order?

A. We normally ship your orders within 2 business days.  While we carry a large variety of compression garments, occasionally an item may be out of stock.  If this happens, we will ship your order as soon as we get our inventory from the manufacturer (usually 6-12 business days). We will promptly notify you via email about the status of your order or any unexpected delays in the event of extended manufacturer’s back-order.  If you have questions about the status of your order, please contact us.