Thigh High Anti-Embolism Stockings

Anti-embolism stockings are compression socks designed to stimulate blood circulation and help prevent blood clots from forming, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This type of clot forms deep in the veins of the legs. If a clot like this breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening. These medical thigh-high stockings are designed specifically to provide anti-embolism protection. But they are unlike the compression socks used by some athletes, which tend to have a stronger compression effect. In addition, stockings that cover the entire leg, including the thigh, provide optimal protection against DVTs. Thigh high anti-embolism stockings work by applying graduated pressure to the legs that increases blood flow and decreases blood pooling. The pressure is strongest at the ankles and decreases as it moves up the leg. This pushes the blood back toward the heart, which protects against forming clots in the legs.

When Are Thigh-High Anti-Embolism Stockings Used?

There are several risk factors where using these stockings have the most benefit. These risk factors include the following:

• Post-Surgery: Hospitals typically use these compression stockings on patients who have had recent surgery – particularly orthopedic or abdominal operations.
• Long-term Immobility: For patients who are bedridden for long periods of time, or even someone who is stuck on a long flight, these stockings provide protection from DVTs and also minimize swelling in your legs.
• Clotting Disorders: Some people suffer from a blood clotting disorder, which can mean either too much or too little clotting. If there is too much clotting, patients run the risk of forming a DVT. Using thigh high anti-embolism stockings can be an important prevention measure.
• Cancer and Chemotherapy: Some types of cancer can increase your risk of forming a blood clot as can chemotherapy. Two of the drugs commonly used in chemotherapy – cisplatin and asparaginase – have been found to increase the risk of blood clots forming.
• Pregnancy or Recent Childbirth: The clotting risk associated with pregnancy is due to the increase in blood volume and the hormonal changes that occur. The dual factors of more blood volume plus the pressure of a growing uterus combine to slow blood flow, which makes a clot more likely to form.
• Hormone and Birth Control Use: Women who are using birth control pills or those requiring hormonal therapy are more at risk for forming clots. This is because both can involve estrogen, which contains factors that impact the body’s clotting system.
• Having Had DVTs or PEs in the Past: Those who have already experienced a blood clot or PE are at greater risk for getting one again.

Tips for Using Thigh High Anti-Embolism Stockings

The following chart can help you find the size you need. It's best to take measurements in the morning and measure around the fullest part of the calf, and right below the buttocks for the thigh measurement. Length is measured from the heel to the fold of the buttocks.

Tips for Putting on Thigh High Anti-Embolism Stockings:

• Pull the stocking inside out by reaching into the heel pocket.
• Position the foot so it can slide into the stocking making sure the heel is centered in the heel pocket.
• Gently pull the stocking up the leg – smoothing it as you go.
• Smooth any remaining wrinkles in the stocking.
• Put these stockings on in the morning if possible.
• If you have trouble pulling the stockings up, wear rubber gloves.

Learn More

Using thigh high anti-embolism stockings has many benefits. Honest Medical has the health and wellness products you need including compression stockings and other important offerings. For more information on any of our products, call an Honest Medical Care Specialist at (833) 933-2323.

Learn more about compression stockings products in this article from our Honest Ideas blog: Compression Socks Buying Guide: Benefits, Sizing and Tips