The Effect of Habitually Incorrect Usage of Elastic Stockings on Resting and Working Pressures

Background: Elastic stockings constitute one of the most important forms of treatment of lymphovenous diseases, but their use requires special attention. Aim: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect on the treatment of common mistakes, such as folds and creases during the use of these stockings. Method: Twenty evaluations were performed with 10 randomized volunteers including students and patients who used 20/30 mmHg elastic stockings. Three of them were men and seven were women with ages that ranged between 22 and 56 years old and a mean age of 42 years old. Creases and folds were artificially created in elastic stockings of different brands of stockings used by these individuals. Variations of static and dynamic pressures were measured before and after the creation of the creases and folds. An apparatus that uses a balloon catheter connected to a sensor and records pressure variations at half-second intervals was employed. Results: The creases and folds created either when dressing the stocking or during its use increase the resting and working pressures in the region of the irregularity. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is essential to give good guidance to patients about the correct use of stockings without creases or folds, as well as showing the effects of their incorrect usage.