I have venous insufficiency in both legs and wear control top pantyhose with medium toning in the legs. Is this sufficient for a person with my condition?
Being a guy, I am assuming you mean those control top pantyhose that women wear with dresses. If that is what you mean, the answer is really no. Most of those do not have enough compression to generate the effect you are probably seeking. Stocking, even prescription stockings for that matter, do not help to get rid of your vein issues or even slow down the progression of your disease. They are only symptomatic treatments for your veins. If you are electing to wear stockings because you are having discomfort in your legs, you would be better served to come in and have your vein issues evaluated to see if you need other treatment instead of just wearing stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A minimum pressure of 20-30 mmHg is required for compliance. Anything under that is ineffective.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Control top pantyhose are not constructed as a gradient compression garment and, therefore, are not as efficient to control venous insufficiency like medical grade compression stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Probably not. The difference between the type of hose you can purchase over-the-counter and prescription grade compression hose are vastly different. When fitted properly, prescription compression hose provide gradient compression, which is most definitely not provided by OTC hose.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Control top pantyhose should be sufficient.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, control top pantyhose are not sufficient for a person with venous insufficiency; rather, medical grade compression stockings are best.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A control top pantyhose is absolutely not appropriate for your problem. With venous insufficiency, there is "pooling" of blood in the lower legs due to gravity and damaged vein valves. The appropriate hose are graduated medical compressions, which are firmer in the lower legs/ankle and have a lower strength as they ease up the thigh. There should be little compression in the abdominal area. This facilitates the return of venous blood to the heart and lungs. There are many choices and some quite stylish in color, sheerness and texture. While more expensive than regular hose, they are very beneficial. They should be measured and fitted by an experienced hose fitter. Typically, they are not covered by insurance.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Despite their medium tone, control top pantyhose do not slow down the progression of venous insufficiency, nor are they likely to provide needed comfort or allay symptoms of vein disease.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, control top stockings are not right for a person with venous insufficiency. Instead, you need to be measured and fitted for graded compression stockings (usually 20-30 mmHg is sufficient).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
In our practice, we prescribe 20-30 mmHg compression stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are many degrees of venous insufficiency and this can be due to the superficial veins, the deep veins or both. For the superficial veins, 20-30mmHg is usually sufficient. For the deep veins or if there is a combination of both, 30-40 mmHg is usually recommended. The pantyhose is fine as long as it improves your symptoms. If you have a correctable problem, then this should be addressed. You should see a vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venous insufficiency has different degrees of severity. For most patients with symptoms (e.g. leg pains, heaviness, aches, cramps, swelling, tiredness etc), simple support stockings like the ones you wear will not be enough to control the symptoms. Most patients need at least 20-30mmHg or higher. However, if those support stockings are enough to control your symptoms, then they are most likely fine. As your venous insufficiency progresses and becomes more severe, you will need higher compression or, perhaps, a more definitive treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012