UNDER PRESSURE
Conrad Jobst was a mechanical engineer and
an inventor— who had venous disease. He
developed a variety of gradient compression
garments to relieve his own symptoms, and
went on to found JOBST®, still one of the
major companies in the industry.
Graduated, or gradient, compression
stockings play a significant role in venous
care. They can prevent vein problems from
occurring, relieve venous disease symptoms
(thus, stopping its progression), and decrease
the likelihood of a clot. While wearing
compression, patients frequently report that
their symptoms are significantly improved, if
not completely alleviated. Ample data proves
that compression can reduce the recurrence
of varicose veins and venous ulcers.
Compression therapy also provides an
alternative for patients who opt for a more
conservative treatment. Stockings can be
worn for years as a long-term option for
managing symptoms of venous disease.
Compression is also crucial in both the acute
and chronic management of patients with
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Wearing
compression stockings reduces the incidence
of post-thrombotic syndrome (chronic
pain and swelling in the leg after DVT)
by half when worn for two years following
DVT, according to recommendations by
the American College of Chest Physicians.
When there are risk factors for DVT such
as long distance travel, immobility, or
pregnancy, wearing compression can reduce
its occurrence.
Perhaps the most common use of graduated
compression stockings in phlebology is
as part of post-procedure care. Every
patient that undergoes a venous procedure,
including sclerotherapy, endovenous laser
"Compression therapy also
provides an alternative for
patients who opt for a more
conservative treatment.
Stockings can be worn for
years as a long-term option
for managing symptoms of
venous disease."
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Pedorthic Footcare Association | www.pedorthics.org