Stockings

Frequently Asked Questions About Anti Embolism Stockings

Reviewed by Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse, on August 8, 2022

FAQs About Anti-Embolism Stockings

1. What are Anti Embolism Stockings?

Anti-embolism stockings are hosiery products that help reduce the threat of blood clots forming in the legs. These compression stockings improve blood circulation in the leg veins by applying graduated compression. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a disorder that includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Thrombosis is clot formation. Embolism is the breaking off of small particles from clots. Thrombosis blocks the blood vessels at a narrowing where emboli can block healthy vessels. If the clot somehow travels and reaches the lungs, it is called a Pulmonary Embolism.

2. What Causes Thromboembolism?

• Lying or sitting in the same place for a long period of time, the blood flow speed through the legs becomes slower, which may cause it to clot.
• Inactivity, the effects of certain drugs, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics can cause the veins to become wider and tear. Blood clots are more likely to adhere to the tears in the wall of the vein.
• Changes can occur in the way blood clots. Certain medications and inactivity may change blood’s normal coagulation process, leading to blood clots.

3. What is the Purpose of Anti Embolism Stockings?

Stockings are the elastic garment that is worn around the leg. Anti-embolism stockings are effective in reducing the risk of Thromboembolism. The purpose of anti-embolic stockings is to apply appropriate pressure on legs varying from 8mmHg to 50mmHg, which helps prevent the occurrence of and guards against further progression of venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis, and thrombosis.

4. For How Long Should You Wear Compression Stockings?

The duration may differ according to your healthcare professional's severity and recommendation. It could be 2 weeks or more. After surgery, it is recommended to wear anti-embolism stockings until you are able to move around freely and comfortably. Compression stockings come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and colors. They're also available with different strengths of compression. You may need to wear them on both legs or on just one leg. You should wear your stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again in the morning.

5. How to Wear Anti-Embolism Stockings?

Follow these steps to learn the application of anti-embolic stockings:

Step 1: Insert your hand and grab the stocking at the top of the heel pocket.
Step 2: While still holding the heel pocket, turn the top of the stocking down toward the toe.
Step 3: Open the stocking and slide your foot in until your toe and heel are positioned in place.
Step 4: Grab the top of your stocking and pull up over your ankle and calf.
Step 5: For optimal fit, ensure that the material is evenly distributed on the leg by massaging the garment into place.
Step 6: You’ll know it is on correctly when it is about 2 finger widths below the bend of your knee.

6. How do you Clean Anti Embolic Stockings?

Cleaning should be frequent enough to remove the natural bodily secretions and skin flakes, which, if you let them remain, may cause damage to stocking fiber and decrease the garment's life span. You should choose two stockings, keeping in mind that you are wearing one and the other is in reserve. Hand wash your stockings at about 40 °C /104F (comfortable hand temperature) and dry them away from direct heat in the air. Do not place them in the dryer.

7. Who should wear Anti-Embolism Stockings?

Nurses, flight attendants, and anyone standing for long-hour shifts should wear them comfortably. Even people, while traveling, choose to wear them. Ladies who have undergone C-Section (Caesarean section) can also wear anti-embolism stockings.

8. Who should not wear Anti-Embolic Stockings?

Stockings are not recommended for patients with the following:

• Any local leg condition in which stockings would interfere, such as dermatitis, immediate post-operative vein ligation, gangrene, or recent skin graft.
• Severe arteriosclerosis or other ischemic vascular disease.
• Massive edema (swelling) of legs or pulmonary edema from congestive heart failure.
• Extreme deformity of the leg.

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