Compression

Made-to-measure products are required when the individual body measurements or body shape do not fit a standard product. A distinction is made between circular knitted and flat knitted products. Circular knitted compression stockings made to measure do not have any disturbing seams. However, the circular knitting process sets limits to the shaping, as the number of stitches cannot be changed. These compression stockings are usually finer and thinner than flat-knitted compression stockings and are typically used for vein complaints.

Made-to-measure, flat-knitted compression stockings are still sewn up after the knitting process so that a visible longitudinal seam remains. The shape is thus much better adapted to the body shape than with circular knitted compression stockings, but they are usually also thicker and rougher than circular knitted stockings. They are preferably used when a higher stiffness of the knitted fabric and more pressure on the tissue are necessary due to the disease, for example in the case of lymphoedema and lipoedema. Every patient is entitled to at least two compression stockings per year. It is also possible that two pairs are prescribed at once. This is often the case with first-time prescriptions, so that an exchange pair is available.

For compression therapy to work, patients need to wear the stockings consistently and regularly. A common concern for sufferers is that they may not be able to put the stockings on by themselves. The PTA can advise to first gather the compression stocking up to the toe in the hands and then pull it over the stretched toe and slowly pull up the leg. Aids such as sliding socks can also make it easier to put them on. They are made of a smooth material and are pulled onto the foot before the compression stocking is put on. Then, depending on the variant, they can be removed upwards via the open toe of the compression stockings or via straps attached to the sliding sock. Then there are metal devices with which patients can pre-stretch the stockings.

Rubber gloves with a knobbed structure make it easier to grip and pull up the stockings, and they also protect the knitted fabric. Such donning and doffing Aids can in principle also be prescribed at the expense of the SHI system as product group 02 of the list of Aids. Especially immobile or elderly patients can ask their doctor about this.