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Compression Stockings Adverse Effects

Compression stockings typically are recommended as a treatment or preventative for conditions such as blood clots. But adverse effects are possible even with something as simple as support stockings. Understanding how these adverse effects can occur may help you avoid them.

  1. Function

    • Compression stockings help the wearer avoid pulmonary embolism---a condition in which a blood clot, generally developed in the leg, makes its way to the lungs and blocks a lung artery, greatly reducing oxygen levels in the body. Stockings are often recommended after general surgery to eliminate the potential of this life-threatening problem, according to the Mayo Clinic. The stockings apply pressure to leg veins and arteries, helping promote circulation, to avoid the development of blood clots in the deep veins of the leg---a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

    Adverse Effects

    • Compression stockings may be used by hospitalized or recovering patients with no or limited mobility. Choosing the wrong size or failing to follow instructions on their use may lead to adverse effects the stockings were intended to eliminate: clot formation.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the Medical News Today website, a study reported in the September 2008 issue of the American Journal of Nursing found that 29 percent of patients do not correctly use compression stockings. The study, conducted on 142 postoperative hospitalized patients, was overseen in part by Elizabeth H. Winslow, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. Winslow stated that the study highlighted how common it is for size and application mistakes to be made with compression stockings. She also emphasized the need for additional education of medical staff and patients. In fact, the study showed that 20 percent of patients did not fully understand the need for the stockings and the condition they are used to prevent.

    Potential

    • In addition to usage errors with compression stockings, Winslow's study found 26 percent of patients used the wrong size of stockings, which boosts the potential for clot formation. If patients are provided stockings that are too small for their legs, the discomfort may cause them to forgo wearing the stockings altogether, not realizing they are the wrong size.

    Significance

    • Cutting off blood circulation by wearing compressed stockings that are too small is as much of a concern as wearing stockings that are too loose or not properly put on.

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