Many doctors advise their dysautonomia patients to try postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome compression stockings. These medical compression garments are believed to help in alleviating some of the symptoms of POTS.
How Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Compression Stockings Can Help
Therapeutic compression garments can help in managing some of the POTS symptoms such as lightheadedness, low blood pressure, fainting, tachycardia, fatigue, and even the muscle pain caused by the pooling of blood in the legs.
Aside from providing symptoms relief, these compression garments can also provide more endurance to endure upright activities like standing (before the symptoms of dysautonomia start to set in).
A Guide for Getting POTS Compression Stockings
Not all compression garments are created the same. We created this short guide to help you find the most suitable compression garment for you:
Compression Level
Although many dysautonomia experts would recommend a compression pressure between 20 and 40 mmHg, your comfort level still matters. Opt for one that provides enough compression but at the same time, comfortable enough for you to wear everyday.
Length
Waist-high stockings are recommended for POTS as the blood pooling can occur in the entire lower half of the body. However, if you find them very uncomfortable, you can always try the thigh or knee-high.
Open vs. Closed Toe
Open toe is easier to don and is more comfortable for many people with sensory neuropathy. But if you’re more comfortable with the closed toe, choose it. There’s really no major difference between the two.
Choosing the right postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome compression stockings boils down to these - your comfort level and needs.
Everyone responds differently to compression garments. So, choose one that’s both comfortable and suitable for your needs.
Image: Daniel Max via Flickr