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Today I want to talk about our legs health and what can really help us fighting serious desease and a leg fatigue: graduated compression stockings!

They play a key role in DVT prevention and we shouldn’t undervaluate their importance!They are used for both prevention and therapy since they practice high pressure at the ankle, which then decreases going up to the thigh favoring venous return, lymphatic drainage, and reducing edema.

The pressure the stockings exert is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and must not be confused with the money (Den), indicating the thickness of the sock. When we purchase compression stockings it 'important to check on the package box that the pressure values ​​are indicated, and are decreasing from bottom to top.

Stockings with a compression between 6 and 20 mmHg are designed primarly for people who might be at risk of developping circulation problems and they help to mitigate the feeling of heaviness and fatigue in their legs. These stockings are recommended for those who spend many hours standing (such as doctors, nurses, shop assistances, etc).

Compression stockings are a real therapy and as such, must be purchased following your doctor’s precise instructions and are especially indicated when varicose veins are already present and are accompanied by edema.

The best time to wear your stockings is in the morning upon awakening, before the legs may swell . It is preferable to wear graduated compression stockings during pregnancy and there are specific models on the market.

Here are few simple steps to help us maintain our legs always relaxed and healthy:

- I have mentioned before that compression stockings help preventing circulation problems.

- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting or standing too much hurts your legs and your health. People who are forced to remain seated for hours, can make circular movements with their foot, waking up the muscles of the ankles and calves. To rise on the toes to turn on the pumping function of the muscles of the leg can be also useful. The same goes for those who travel for many hours by car or plane. - Avoid excessive heat and very hot water baths. - Keep your legs higher than the heart helps the blood to rise. During the day you can lie down on the couch rather than sit in the chair, do not keep your legs crossed or dangling. At night, raise the rear half of the bed with the help of a large cushion, so that the knee will not remain suspended in the air. - Check your body weight because being overweight harm the heart, arteries and veins. - Avoid tight clothing, garters, elastic bands that can prevent the normal circulation of blood. Even the shoes with high heels will void the pump function of the muscles during the walk. - Exercising regularly. Recommended sports: swimming and cycling.

I hope this information can help you. Don’t under estimate the importance of keeping our legs healthy!