Jobst Compression Socks and Your Legs

Decades ago, Jobst compression wear was designed by mechanical engineer and inventor, Conrad Jobst. Suffering from his own venous insufficiency, he set about to perfect gradient compression garments for individual’s leg and feet issues. His work involved collaboration with experts in the lymphology and  phlebology fields. Jobst compression socks grew to become the benchmark in compression garment innovation.

Our legs provide the motive force for our bodies throughout our lives, but most of us take them for granted and neglect their health. Over our life spans, a great percentage of us will experience leg vein problems. Our lifestyles, personal health, age and heredity certainly impact the risks. Surgeries, pregnancies and injuries also factor in. Of these, we can take action through maintaining physical activity, exercise, establishing proper posture and donning correctly fitted Jobst gradient compression hosiery.

Do I Need Compression Socks?

As the most recommended compression stocking by doctors, Jobst compression socks can be the right choice for people experiencing:

• Aching and Tired Legs
  Spending the bulk of your time in sitting posture or standing promotes swelling of the legs and venous disease. You have probably noticed this on some occasions.
• Swelling of the Legs (Edema)
  Frequently noticed around ankle areas and lower legs, this is fluid increase in body tissues. You may also notice a decrease in skin elasticity, “heavy legs”, or some discomfort. Heart deficiencies, medications, previous injuries, etc. can cause this painless swelling. It should be addressed as it may indicate insufficiency of the veins or a serious disease. The degree/amount of compression provided by your Jobst compression stockings is dictated the observed severity.
• Varicose Veins
  This is the visible pooling or backwards flow in the bloodstream in veins that are damaged and can range from insignificant to severe.  Heredity and pregnancy are the major culprits. Again, the amount/degree of gradient compression selected in the garment depends on the degree of bulging veins or superficial vein inflammation.
• CVI (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)
  Caused by damaged vein valves, this may manifest itself in leg ulcers and possible skin damage. Many times this is preceded by varicose veins, but also ankle area changes in skin color, fragile skin, and routine leg swelling are telltale signs. The compression in the socks is necessarily greater than the previous conditions.
• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
  When a clot of blood forms within a vein deep in the leg which completely or even partially blocks blood flow, it is called a DVT. Untreated, a DVT can damage additional leg vein valves. Damaged valves allow reversed bloodstream flow, causing greater risk of more DVT and CVI. Jobst compression wear can be selected for the individual circumstance.
• Venous Ulcers
  Insufficient blood flow in the legs caused by faulty vein valves allow constant pooling of blood in the legs and swelling. This impacts the proper supply of oxygen and nutrients to portions of the legs. Fragile skin, slow healing and even open skin with drainage result.

We tend to take our legs for granted until they become a problem. Work to maintain your leg health through exercise. Working the thigh and calf muscles with swimming, cycling and or walking contacts the tissues and helps force blood through the circulatory system veins to your heart. During relaxation periods, elevate your legs above your heart when possible, avoiding prolonged standing and sitting. Keep your weight down and don’t cross your legs. Wear properly fitted Jobst compression socks for prevention and also treatment of leg problems. Have happy legs!